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.

Baleba was a revelation last season, ranking among the Premier League’s best for tackles, interceptions, blocks and recoveries.

United are prepared to delay a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba until next year due to the difficulties involved, but the MEN claims that the 21-year-old would keen on making the move to Ol...