A Manchester United fan has set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise funds for the club to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
The Red Devils are said to have made contact with Brighton to explore the conditions of a deal for the midfielder this summer, though a potential deal appears difficult.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Seagulls, featuring 34 times in the Premier League and scoring three goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
United, who are closing in on their third major addition of the summer in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, are among the many suitors of the Cameroon international and have made contact with Brighton through intermediaries, a report has claimed.
According to The Athletic, the Red Devils have relayed their interest in the midfielder, who has three years remaining on his contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the Amex.
And, while United may be struggling for money as they tread a PSR wire amid the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for £62.5million and £71m respectively, one fan has taken things into their own hands to try and raise some money.
Supporter Ian M, who is from England, organised the fundraiser on Wednesday night, titled Baleba to Man United fund, accompanied by a picture of Baleba in a Brighton shirt.
The description reads: ‘We need this to happen we need this to happen we need this to happen we need this to happen,’ with a £120m target set. There are currently zero donations.
When accessing the website, there is a notification reading: ‘Give £20 and be one of the first to donate – your donation is the start of Ian’s journey to success. Your early support inspires others to donate.’
There is an acknowledgement that a switch this summer may be unrealistic, given Brighton’s unwillingness to sell and United’s outlay in this window.
The report claims that a move for the youngster is ‘improbable’ unless United are able to secure a series of lucrative sales before the window closes at the start of next month.
The addition of Sesko will take their outlay to almost £200m, the third highest in the division after Liverpool and Chelsea.
There is still a desire to improve their midfield ranks, however. United currently have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Toby Collyer in their ranks, while Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo can also be deployed in the central midfielder positions in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
