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.