United looked to pursue Baleba last summer – they were quoted an initial price higher than the fee Moises Caicedo cost when he joined Chelsea in 2023, which was £100m, plus £15m in performance-related add-ons.
Despite Baleba’s undoubted dip in form for Brighton last season, officials at United are understood to be happy with the deal 12 months on as they have had a long-standing interest in the player.
Baleba is recovering from an ankle ligament injury he picked up during pre-season and Sky Sports News understands he is due to be fit around the middle of September.
Manchester United face Manchester City on September 13 and Fulham on September 20, followed by the three-week international break which will allow Baleba ample time to acclimatise to life at Old Trafford.
