Fabian Hurzeler says he’s “very, very, very confident” that Carlos Baleba will remain a Brighton player this season.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been the subject of interest from Manchester United, with reports stating that an opening player plus cash bid was rejected by Brighton.
But Hurzeler is adamant Baleba will stay at Brighton this season and says the player is enjoying being at the club.
“Very, very, very confident (he will stay),” Hurzeler said, speaking ahead of Brighton’s opening Premier League game at home to Fulham on Saturday.
"I didn't see any change; he only changed his hair. He is enjoying being a Brighton player."
Brighton are expected to demand more than £100million for Baleba, who is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Baleba started 31 games for Brighton last season as they finished eighth in Hurzeler’s first season in charge.
United have already spent more than £200m on attacking trio Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko this summer, but Ruben Amorim is now looking to bolster his midfield ahead of the new season.
United ideally need to sell before they can pursue a deal for Baleba and have been handed a boost, with Jadon Sancho closing in on a move away from Old Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that AS Roma have lodged a bid worth £20m for the winger, who spent last season on loan at Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca’s side had the option to sign Sancho permanently at the end of last season, but decided to pay a £5million penalty in order to void the previous agreement and send him back to United.
Were Sancho to leave United this summer it would provide a welcome boost to United ‘s finances as they look to wrap up a deal, which would likely be a record fee for an African player, for Baleba.
