I'M A BALEBA: Man Utd announce £70m signing of Brighton star Carlos Baleba to complete midfield rebuild - and Michael Carrick's next transfer move is clear

Manchester United have announced the signing of Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70million. Baleba, 22, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of the further 12 months, and leaves Brighton after three impressive seasons.

United will pay an initial £65m plus a potential £5m in add-ons. Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause for the midfielder they bought from French side Lille in 2023.

Baleba becomes the Red Devils' third midfield signing of the summer, joining Andrey Santos (£50m) and Youri Tielemans (£35m). United will now focus on other areas during the final week of the transfer window, with left-back a priority.

Contact has been made for Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, who was left out of their squad to face Elche on Sunday. A forward is also on United's shopping list, but that may depend on the future of Joshua Zirkzee.

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Having completed his medical over the weekend, Baleba said: "It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.

"I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.

"The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together."

United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, added: "Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.

"We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.

"Carlos' determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions."

Who should Manchester United sign next? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

Baleba isn't expected to make his debut until next month, with the Cameroon international nursing an ankle ligament injury which ruled him out of Brighton's first two games. United host Ipswich this Sunday looking for their first point of the season, as Michael Carrick's side suffered an abject 2-0 defeat away to Hull in their opening Premier League game.

Their need for a player like Baleba was no more evident than against Hull, as they sorely lacked a midfielder capable of covering ground and winning back possession. United did the groundwork on the 22-year-old last summer when Brighton quoted United £100m for his services.

But the club's patience has paid off, signing him for a considerably lower fee this time around. His arrival takes United's spending to £155m, with their other newcomer, goalkeeper Karl Darlow, joining on a free after his contract with Leeds expired.

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