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.

Hjulmand instead of Carlos Baleba?Initially interested in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Manchester United are now considering Morten Hjulmand as an option to bolster their midfield

Should the midfielder maintain his development this season then Brighton will hope other elite suitors emerge for their prized asset