The Cameroonian joined Brighton from Lille in 2023 for €27M and has since established himself as a pivotal part of manager Fabian Hurzeler’s side over the past two years.
Baleba will join the Cameroon squad preparing for AFCON after the Seagulls have played Liverpool but as he plans to jet off to represent his country, an update on his future has been released.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland, Brighton valued Baleba at around £100M but have since changed their target to €85M (£74.3M) in what could be a January deal that United cannot pass up.
Baleba has been at the top of manager Ruben Amorim’s shortlist since the summer as The Red Devils look to recruit a new midfielder in 2026. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are set to leave at the end of the season, and Baleba looks to be a competent replacement ahead of next season.
United have also been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson and Adam Wharton, as well as Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher as they aim to construct a title winning midfield.
The 21-year-old is said to be open to a move but his mind will be on AFCON for now unless United do make an offer over the next month as they seek a bargain before the season is over.