Manchester United are on the verge of securing one of their primary transfer targets this summer, with Cameroon international Carlos Baleba set to join from Brighton and Hove Albion after agreeing personal terms, according to Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder has in principle accepted a five-year contract that would keep him at Old Trafford through to the summer of 2031, marking a significant step forward in what has been a prolonged pursuit.

The final hurdle

With the player's side settled on the contract terms, United's hierarchy is now focused on finalising the financial arrangement with Brighton. The Red Devils have tabled a package of approximately £60 million, plus up to £5 million in performance-related add-ons.

Brighton initially sought a higher fee for the Cameroonian, but ongoing discussions between the two Premier League clubs have brought both parties considerably closer to a full agreement.

A long-term target finally within reach

United's interest in Baleba stretches back more than a year. The club first identified the former Lille academy product as a recruitment priority last spring, and even explored the possibility of a January move — an avenue that Brighton swiftly closed at the time.

Despite that early rejection, both clubs maintained a working dialogue, allowing United to move quickly once summer negotiations opened. A medical could be scheduled within days if the club-to-club fee is resolved as United's executives hope.

What Baleba brings to Old Trafford

Baleba arrived at the Amex Stadium as a replacement for Moises Caicedo and has since grown into one of European football's most promising young box-to-box midfielders. His physicality, defensive awareness, and mobility address specific weaknesses in United's engine room — qualities manager Rúben Amorim has been eager to add.

Should the deal reach its conclusion in the coming days, United will have moved decisively to reshape their midfield ahead of the new season.