Manchester United call off their pursuit of midfielder Carlos Baleba as things stand with Brighton remaining resolute in their stance the player is not leaving the club.

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.

United are keen to strengthen their options in central midfield and identified Baleba as their top target this summer. The Cameroon international made 40 appearances in all competitions for Brighton last season and emerged as one of the league’s most promising all-action midfielders.