Brighton chief executive Paul Barber insists Manchester United have not made contact over a move for Carlos Baleba.
Man Utd, who are closing in on the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, appear to have identified the Brighton midfielder as their next transfer target.
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As reported by the Athletic on Wednesday, the Red Devils made contact with the Seagulls via intermediaries to explore conditions of deal for Baleba.
Furthermore, it is understood that Brighton do not plan to sell this the Cameroon international this summer and whilst all sides are aware a move may be unrealistic, Man United are keen to discover if that stance changes.
Addressing speculation surrounding Baleba’s future when speaking at a fans’ forum at the Amex, Barber said: “We have got some great talent. There is always going to be interest in our players.
“Manchester United have not been in touch with me. From that point of view, speculation is speculation.
“We will always try and make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but also for us.
“If we end up doing that with any player it is with a view to leaving Fabian with a very competitive squad whatever happens.
“We don’t want to sell our best players.
We will always try and make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but also for us
“Carlos is a fantastic talent who has got a lot of years ahead of him and we hope he will be here for many years to come.
“But it is something which, as always, is subject to dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable.”
Man United have bolstered their squad this summer with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford respectively.
Ruben Amorim has also welcomed the signing of teenage left-back Diego Leon as well as Enzo Kana-Biyik who has been loaned out to Swiss Super League side, Lausanne-Sport for the season.
