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 is a defensive midfielder and would be a cheaper option until United revisit their interest in Baleba at the end of the season. It would surely be better to bring in a midfielder instead of no new signing.

Manchester United have told Brighton and Hove Albion how much they plan to bid for Cameroon international midfielder Carlos Baleba.