Brighton are keen to keep hold of Baleba, who is under contract until 2028 with the option of a further 12 months, and warned United it would take a fee around the £115 million ($156 million) Chelsea paid to sign Moisés Caicedo two years ago to get a deal for Baleba over the line.

The 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has been United’s top target to strengthen in the No. 6 position.