United are already scouting potential replacements for midfielder Casemiro ahead of the summer transfer window, when the Brazilian is very likely to leave at the end of his current deal.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have all been linked with the club, but it is Brighton’s Baleba who was closest to putting pen to paper.
As reported by The Athletic, United held talks with the player via intermediaries, with an agreement reached between the parties.
The report states that the Seagulls would insist on the type of money Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo, around £115M, which would make him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history.
United’s Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo are linked with moves away from the club as the January transfer window approaches and manager Ruben Amorim is clearly keen on boosting his team’s midfield which often fails to control the game.
Baleba has struggled for form this season, but United are said to not be put off by this and will prepare a bid for next summer. The Cameroon international is also a target of Tottenham, who beat United in the Europa League final last season and could steal him away.