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, meanwhile, are not interested in parting ways with the Cameroonian star and have estimated him at £100m ($135m) in order to block potential offers. Despite the hefty price tag, Man United’s reported interest in Baleba continues to prevail.

Manchester United are in the middle of their preparations for their Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford but transfer still remain on the agenda for the Red Devils