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.

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.