Brighton urge patience with Baleba amid United links before Chelsea

Fabian Hurzeler urged calm on Monday over Carlos Baleba as persistent transfer speculation and a disrupted preseason have coincided with inconsistent results for Brighton, leaving the manager to defend his young squad ahead of Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Hurzeler conceded the midfielder has struggled for sharpness since a mid-July knee injury, called for patience as Manchester United-linked rumours swirl, and faced rising fan frustration after Brighton's 2-2 home draw with Tottenham left the Seagulls with just one win from their opening fixtures.

Baleba, the subject of reports that Brighton had placed a nine-figure valuation on him, has largely been used as a substitute this season and has started only intermittently as he rebuilds fitness. Hurzeler said Baleba is still developing and needs support from the coaching staff and team. "Everyone has to understand with Carlos, he is a very young player. He needs help from us. He tried everything today. He only had 45 minutes in his body, and it is something that we have to accept," Hurzeler said. He added that the constant talk of big offers could affect a young player's focus, even if the impact is not...