Mbeumo Reportedly Urging 'Little Brother' Baleba to Join Manchester United

Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly trying to convince his Cameroon international teammate, Carlos Baleba, to make a move to Old Trafford.

Despite being a recent £71 million arrival from Brentford himself, Mbeumo is said to be actively involved in recruitment efforts. Reports suggest he has been speaking with the Brighton midfielder during the international break, encouraging him to consider joining the Red Devils.

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Mbeumo and the 21-year-old Baleba, whom he reportedly views as a "little brother," have developed a close bond while on duty with the Cameroon national team.

Their connection was highlighted in September when Mbeumo was seen comforting Baleba and shielding him from a pitch invasion after a surprising loss to Cape Verde.

Manchester United showed interest in the dynamic midfielder last summer, but Brighton's firm stance and a reported asking price exceeding £100 million prevented a deal.

United, currently struggling in 10th place in the Premier League under manager Ruben Amorim, are preparing for a difficult trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.

Should Brighton eventually sell Baleba, it would represent another masterstroke in the transfer market for the club.

The Seagulls signed him from Lille for just £23 million as a replacement for Moises Caicedo, whose sale to Chelsea generated a significant profit. Baleba's value has since skyrocketed following an impressive previous season.

However, the young midfielder has faced a challenging start to the current campaign. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged that the transfer speculation surrounding Manchester United may have been a distraction for the player.

"For sure, when a young boy reads that there’s interest from Manchester United with a big offer, it might affect him deeply, even if he’s not saying," Hurzeler explained as per Daily Mail.

"That’s also part of the development, to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer from a big club that wants to have him. Then, to keep pushing to be humble, stay here and be bright, and try to make the next step together with the team."

The Brighton boss emphasized his commitment to guiding young players through difficult periods, noting the importance of providing support when things aren't going smoothly.

"We talk a lot, for example, about Carlos," Hurzeler added.

"He had an incredible development last season... Now there is a wave and it is really important to keep being with him, keep pushing him, keep supporting him. These are also moments I really enjoy."

On the international front, Mbeumo and Baleba's Cameroon team finished second in their World Cup qualifying group behind Cape Verde and will now face a play-off to secure their spot in the tournament.

Mbeumo has been a rare positive for United this season and will look to make a significant impact against arch-rivals Liverpool this Sunday.

Meanwhile, Baleba is set to feature for Brighton against Newcastle before a potential reunion with his "big brother" when the Seagulls travel to face Manchester United the following week.