United are reportedly interested in signing the 21-year-old this summer, but Brighton have no intention of letting him go for less that £100 million.
Baleba is arguably the most exciting young defensive midfielder in the Premier League, but United have been told to look elsewhere.
Former coach Rene Meulensteen believes Ruben Amorim should turn his attention toward Palace’s Wharton, 21.
In an interview with CoinPoker, Meulensteen said: "Carlos Baleba is promising. But then I think to myself, why don't you buy Adam Wharton? Is everybody blind? Honestly, that boy is one of the best midfielders in England.
"Why are all the top teams not trying to sign him? I would break the bank for him if I was Man Utd, 100%. Because he's miles ahead. He is a young player with good legs and good energy, he is what a team like United needs."