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.

Seeing as though it looks like a deal for Baleba is going to be very difficult for United to complete, the Red Devils may have to go after an alternative midfield target for that holding role in Amorim’s side.