Carlos Baleba is wanted by Manchester United (Picture: Getty) Fabian Hurzeler said he is extremely confident that Carlos Baleba will remain with Brighton this season despite heavy interest from Manchester United. After big spending on revitalising their attacking options, United have now turned their attention to bolstering their midfield, with Baleba emerging as a top target. The Cameroon international enjoyed another impressive season on the south coast, and Brighton are likely to demand a figure in excess of £100million to part ways with the midfielder. Despite that high valuation, the Red Devils are still reportedly looking to make the deal work but may have to raise funds first by selling several fringe first-team players. But regardless, Hurzeler is bullish that his side will be able to reject any advances in the last few weeks of the window and keep their prized asset at the club. ‘I am very, very confident,’ Hurzeler said in his pre-match press conference when asked about the chances of Baleba remaining a Brighton player. ‘I didn’t see any change, he’s only changed his hair. I think that’s the change he’s made in the last two weeks. Fabian Hurzeler is confident that Baleba will remain with the club (Picture: Getty) ‘But overall he seems to be in a really good place, he’s enjoying it with his team-mates, he’s enjoying being a Brighton player.’ Baleba started 31 games for Brighton last season, but missed the last four pre-season friendlies with a knee injury. However, Hurzeler said the 21-year-old could still start in Brighton’s Premier League curtain raiser against Fulham on Saturday. Ruben Amorim is keen for United to sign a midfielder (Picture: Getty) ‘He is an option to start tomorrow,’ the German confirmed. While a deal for Baleba may seem unlikely at this stage, Rio Ferdinand believes United would be recuting a ‘wonderful’ talent if they can ‘work some magic’ to get a deal over the line. ‘It will be some window if they get Baleba to cap it off because they would have signed four machines physically. That’s been a massive weakness in this squad for too long,’ Ferdinand said’ ‘Baleba is a young kid but he’s a wonderful talent with a high ceiling. I’m not saying you buy him and he’s the answer straight away and the key to the team, I’m not saying that. ‘He will need to be developed and integrated into the system. But he is something different to everything we’ve got and that difference is what’s needed to push this squad on. ‘If he comes in I think he will be a breath of fresh air. My biggest fear is if United don’t get him this window, other teams will be at the table next summer with their chequebooks out and Brighton will be demanding even more money.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.