United are now looking at a new central midfielder after bolstering their forward line through the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, and it was revealed earlier this month that an ambitious move for 21-year-old Baleba is under consideration.

Ruben Amorim has already splashed in excess of £200m to reshape his attack with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. So the Portuguese head coach, subsequently, could be forced to search for cheaper alternatives to address his team's midfield frailties in the coming months.

Fabian Hurzeler said he is extremely confident that Carlos Baleba will remain with Brighton this season despite heavy interest from Manchester United. After big spending on revitalising their attacking options, United have now turned their attention to bolstering their midfield, with Baleba emerging as a top target.