Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool are not currently planning to make a sensational move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Rousing The Kop understands.

Baleba has been subject to interest from Manchester United, but the Reds are not currently expected to rival Ruben Amorim’s side for his potential signing.

Liverpool have committed almost £300m to the transfer window so far and are hoping to significantly add to that with the signing of Alexander Isak.

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Although the Reds are in a healthy position financially, RTK have been told that they are highly unlikely to spend another huge amount on a player in Baleba‘s profile.

Liverpool are big fans of Baleba having tracked the Cameroonian since his breakout with Lille, but are not actively looking to add a new midfielder to Arne Slot’s squad.

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While Liverpool are not expected to challenge for Baleba this summer, RTK understands that Brighton have no intention of selling the 21-year-old either.

The interest from United is understood to be concrete, but the Seagulls remain determined to keep hold of Baleba until at least 2026.

As transfer expert Graeme Bailey exclusively explains to RTK, the situation could look different in a year’s time.

For now, however, it is going to cost north of £100m to even bring Brighton to the table.

SeasonClubAppearancesGoalsAssists2022/23Lille21002023/24Lille2002023/24Brighton37002024/25Brighton4042Carlos Baleba career statistics

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“Throughout the summer Liverpool have had no plans to bring in a new CDM – they have one of the best already in Ryan Gravenberch,” says Bailey.

“Liverpool, like Man United, love Baleba but that is true of every major European club.

They liked him before he joined Brighton and have followed him closely.”

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“Some suggest Brighton have opened the door – they haven’t,” adds the reporter.

If someone is willing to pay over £100m for him this summer then they have a chance, but Brighton have little intention of letting him go.

“Come 2026, this is going to be a very different conversation.

But, as it stands, we know Liverpool are planning on spending over £100m on another player.

It won’t be for a CDM.”

Liverpool supporters would likely be disappointed if United do end up paying over the odds to sign Baleba this summer.

Nevertheless, RTK understands that the Reds are currently more than happy with their midfield options.

Beyond the regular first-teamers of last season, Slot sees Trey Nyoni as being a more genuine option this season, while Curtis Jones is viewed as a player with the potential to star in a deeper role, too.

Meanwhile, a decision is yet to be made on Stefan Bajcetic’s role for the upcoming campaign as he continues to recover from a hamstring issue.
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