Brighton has revealed a price tag for Baleba! However, it's a billion, and they rejected Manchester United's offer to swap with Ten Hag's favorite.

Manchester United, through intermediaries, inquired about the 21-year-old midfield star Carlos Baleba from Brighton, who responded with a staggering asking price. Baleba made a strong rise last season with the "Seagulls," appearing 34 times in the Premier League, scoring 3 goals, and being named the team's best player of the season, becoming a hot topic in European football.

The Red Devils have already contacted Brighton to inquire about the terms of a transfer for the Cameroonian international this summer, but reaching an agreement seems very difficult. Amorim's team has already spent £200 million signing Cunha, Mbemo, and Sesko, and if they buy Baleba, the total expenditure will exceed £300 million!

According to ESPN, Brighton is asking for over £100 million for Baleba, having signed him from Lille for £25 million in August 2023. He has a contract for another three years, with an option for an additional year. Although the player himself is willing to join Manchester United, he is not desperate for it and is quite happy to stay with the Seagulls for another year. Despite Manchester United having two Cameroonian players, André Onana and Mbemo, this does not decisively influence Baleba's decision, as he will consider his career rather than joining fellow countrymen.

Baleba has ambitious goals and publicly expressed his desire to win the Ballon d'Or one day this summer. "Declan Rice, Cunha, and Joëlinton all tell me that I have great potential," Baleba told The Sun. "I hope to win the Ballon d'Or, just like Rodri."

If a transfer occurs, Baleba will certainly not lack buyers from top clubs; he mentioned that Manchester City, where Rodri plays, is also keeping an eye on him. However, many top clubs believe he still needs to continue developing at a team like Brighton, which is why they didn't make a move this summer.

Baleba added, "I watched Rodri's matches during the European Championship. Before his injury, I played alongside him. Every time I got the ball, he was right in front of me; that was my first time facing Manchester City, and he made it very difficult for me. It's hard to get past him or even pass the ball; that shows his level. His success has opened a door for midfielders like us, making us believe we also have a chance to win the Ballon d'Or."

The Manchester Evening News reported that Manchester United attempted to use Toby Corriell as a bargaining chip to swap for Baleba but were rejected by Brighton. Ironically, the 21-year-old Corriell is a product of Brighton's youth academy and only joined Manchester United in 2022; they do not plan to take back a player they let go.

Corriell was born in Worthing, just 10 miles from Brighton, and he had a chance to join the first team but chose to leave. Manchester United insiders admitted they were surprised to obtain him at that time. Ten Hag valued Corriell highly during his tenure, especially appreciating his running ability, which is said to be second only to Bruno Fernandes. However, Corriell now faces challenges, as he may be loaned out this summer or even sold permanently. Reports suggest that Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship is interested in loaning him and another young talent from Manchester United, Harry Amass.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated, "Manchester is in contact with Baleba's agent, but there is currently no substantial progress. I have been informed that discussions are ongoing. Manchester United is staying calm, viewing him as the perfect midfield option, and Amorim is very fond of him."

There are also rumors that if they miss out on Baleba this summer, Manchester United will consider signing Angelo Stiller from Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is also a player under consideration by Manchester United, as there is a gentlemen's agreement with the "London Eagles" for a potential transfer next summer. Similarly, Douglas Luiz from Juventus has been consistently mentioned in the rumor mill.