Brighton’s manager has broken his silence on the swirling transfer talk surrounding Carlos Baleba, with Manchester United believed to be leading the chase for the midfielder after a night that sparked plenty of speculation.

In their clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Baleba was unexpectedly taken off at half-time, a move that immediately set tongues wagging and fueled rumours that there could be more behind the decision than just tactics.

After the game, the coach admitted he is well aware of United’s long-standing interest, revealing that the club’s scouts have been monitoring Baleba closely. He praised the youngster’s maturity, physical presence, and growing influence in midfield, while making it clear that Brighton still see him as an important figure in their setup—at least for now.

He was also quick to clarify that the substitution was not linked to discipline or poor performance, but rather a tactical adjustment to counter Tottenham’s midfield reshuffle. Even so, he acknowledged that Baleba’s rising profile naturally puts him on the radar of bigger clubs ready to spend big.

By openly addressing both the strategic decision and the transfer speculation, the Brighton boss turned a routine post-match explanation into a story that has only intensified the spotlight on Baleba. For United, it adds another intriguing dimension to their search for midfield reinforcements, while Brighton fans are left to wonder if their emerging star will continue to shine on the south coast or soon be lured away to Old Trafford.