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.

Brighton are determined to keep hold of the 21-year-old - who they value at over £100million. Consequently, The Manchester Evening News reported on Friday that United are content to wait until next year to pursue a deal for Baleba if they have to.