Not acceptable - Brighton reject Manchester United's initial bid for Baleba

Baleba has missed Brighton's last three pre-season matches and hasn't played since mid-July. Reports suggest he's recovering from a knee injury sustained during training.

The club already has plans in place should the Cameroonian depart. Diego Gomez and Mahmoud Dahoud are currently filling his role, with Jack Hinshelwood, Matt O'Riley, Mats Wieffer, and Yassin Ayari expected to see increased playing time.

According to The Sun, via Sportal, Man United offered a cash sum plus a player for the Brighton midfielder.

The player offered was 21-year-old defensive midfielder Toby Collier. The financial details of the rejected bid were not disclosed.

Brighton are insisting on a fee similar to what they received for Moises Caicedo's transfer to Chelsea in 2023. The London club paid £115 million for the Ecuadorian.

In recent years, Brighton have parted ways with players like Alexis Mac Allister, Caicedo, and Yves Bissouma, yet the Seagulls have consistently found successful replacements.

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has revealed the perfect midfield addition to Ruben Amorim's side ahead of the new season.

The former Man United player advises that the club should do all it can to sign him this summer.