Carlos Baleba told he can 'kickstart his career' at Newcastle as offer lined up
Newcastle United have set their sights on a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in the closing stages of the transfer window.
Matthias Jaissle is aiming to bolster his midfield in the coming weeks, and the 22-year-old has emerged as a leading contender as they continue to assess the market.
Brighton are believed to be open to leeting the midfielder leave after what was a disappointing season last time out, and a change of environment could be just what he needs.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle could hand Baleba the opportunity to kickstart his career at St James' Park.
The Cameroon international's carrer has stalled at Brighton after Fabian Hurzeler admitted at the start of last season that his head had been turned by the interest.
Brighton were demanding upwards of £100million for his signature last summer, but that price tag is now believed to have dropped, opening the door for his departure.
Could Newcastle make a move to sign Carlos Baleba?
Football Insider revealed on 15 August that Brighton are prepared to listen to offers for Baleba in the coming weeks, placing Newcastle on high alert over his situation.
Following the sales of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, the Magpies are determined to bolster their midfield options, and believe Baleba would be an ideal addition.
While there are concerns about his form at Brighton last season, there is a belief that a move to a new club and playing under a new manager could get him back to his best.
"Carlos Baleba is going to be one to watch before the window closes," Brown told Football Insider.
"Newcastle want to sign a new midfielder, they've lost two very important players in that position, so of course somebody like Baleba is going to have been on their radar.
"He's obviously got talent, that's why there have been clubs interested in the first place, but he didn't have the best season last time out.
"I believe Brighton are prepared to let him go, and I think a move elsewhere could be the perfect opportunity for him to kickstart his career at a new club.
"Newcastle could give him that opportunity, under a new coach, in a new side, and as an important part of their midfield rebuild.
"It's a deal that could work for all parties if Brighton are willing to let him go, and it's certainly something I expected Newcastle to explore because they are big admirers of his."
Which other clubs are interested in Baleba?
Newcastle are far from the only club interested in Baleba, with the midfielder having attracted suitors from the Premier League and across Europe in recent years.
Meanwhile, Football Insider reevaled on 12 July that Man United could reignite their interest in Baleba if Brighton are prepared to drop his asking price this summer.
After what proved to be a frustrating season amid suggestions his head had been turned by the top clubs watching him, Man United's interest was believed to have cooled.
However, they could return as part of Michael Carrick's plans to bolster his midfield if the deal is one that would suit them financially at this late stage.