Manchester United have received encouragement that striking an agreement over personal terms with Carlos Baleba will not be an issue, according to reports. And the Red Devils could take advantage of Baleba's contract situation at Brighton and Hove Albion to force a stunning summer deal through.

United have reportedly made initial contact with Brighton to explore the conditions of a potential deal for the 21-year-old midfielder. The Seagulls' chief executive and deputy chair, Paul Barber, diffused those suggestions on Wednesday night, but left the door ajar for a possible exit.

"There is always going to be interest in our players. Manchester United have not been in touch with me," Barber explained after the flurry of reports.

"Speculation is speculation. Carlos is a fantastic talent; we hope he will be here for years to come, but it is subject to the dynamics of the football world, which is not always predictable."

Brighton's not-for-sale stance is no surprise and nothing new. Baleba has flourished into one of the Premier League's most highly-rated midfielders since his £26m arrival from Lille in 2023.

But the Cameroon international's desire could play a major factor in United's hopes of luring him to Old Trafford before the deadline.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Baleba did not dismiss a move to United during direct contact between the club and his representatives.

And the Red Devils are said to believe that there will be no issues when agreeing on personal terms, although a deal this summer is considered very difficult.

Old Trafford chiefs are right to feel confident. Baleba is reportedly earning just £12,500 a week at the Amex Stadium, less than Chido Obi's £15,000-per-week package.

United likely could easily turn the starlet's head by offering an eye-watering pay rise that would still not leave him anywhere near the club's highest earners.

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Should that unsettle Baleba, Brighton will be forced into action. They would either have to hand their midfield maestro a vastly improved new contract or cash in.

And with a club of United's magnitude circling, there could be some natural hesitance to commit his future to the south coast unless his new deal includes a favourable release clause.

Brighton's current top earner is Turkish left-back Ferdi Kadioglu, who pockets around £87,500 a week.

Kaoru Mitoma and Lewis Dunk follow on the wage bill with an £80,000 weekly salary, and Baleba would want similar compensation.

Yet, even then, United seemingly have the financial power to offer more, which could ultimately leave Brighton no choice.