Manchester United have shut down the idea of using rising midfielder Toby Collyer as a bargaining chip in their pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils, who have been tracking the Cameroon international, were told he would cost around £100 million — a figure far beyond their current transfer budget following a busy summer window.

Brighton had hoped Collyer could be part of a swap deal to ease negotiations, but United made it clear he was off-limits. Instead, the 21-year-old is on the verge of sealing a loan move to West Bromwich Albion, where new manager Ryan Mason is building a squad capable of pushing for Championship promotion.

Collyer, who joined United from Brighton in 2022, impressed in pre-season and made 19 appearances last term — including a crucial goal-line clearance in January’s 1-0 win over Fulham. With Ruben Amorim’s system offering limited midfield spots and Bruno Fernandes locked in as captain and playmaker, the loan is seen as the best path for Collyer’s development.

Born in Worthing, just a short distance from Brighton, Collyer was once tipped for a future at the Amex before being released. Now, he’s ready to follow in the footsteps of players like Harvey Barnes, who thrived during a spell at The Hawthorns, and return to Manchester stronger.