Per The Telegraph, Ruben Amorim’s side are currently unwilling to meet Brighton’s asking price for the 21-year-old, which stands at over £100 million.
United’s ownership are understood to view Baleba as their perfect defensive midfield target but due to the club’s current financial constraints, they’re unlikely to make an offer.
The club have already spent £197.2 million on signings this summer on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko but are yet to bring in any money through player sales.
Brighton and United aren’t understood to be in any meaningful negotiations regarding a move for the Cameroon international.
Chairman Tony Bloom is after a similar fee he got from Chelsea for the sale of Moises Caicedo, which was reported to be £115m.