Brighton are standing firm on Carlos Baleba, confident that Manchester United will ultimately have to meet their hefty valuation if they truly see the 22-year-old as the solution to their midfield woes.

Sources close to the situation say Albion have made it clear that Baleba is not for sale, despite growing interest from Old Trafford and other Premier League clubs. The Seagulls are bracing themselves for renewed enquiries during the upcoming transfer window but remain unmoved.

Baleba has experienced a slight dip in form this season, leading some suitors to speculate that his price could fall closer to £70m, which they see as fair market value. Brighton, however, have publicly rejected this narrative.

Chairman Paul Barber reiterated on Saturday: “No call from Old Trafford, no call from anyone connected to Manchester United. We have no plans or desire to sell Carlos in this window or any future window.”

Insiders suggest Brighton’s firm stance is also a strategic move to test how committed United really are. The club is well aware of how highly United rate Baleba and how closely his profile aligns with what manager Rúben Amorim seeks in his midfield rebuild.

At the same time, United are reportedly struggling to find alternative targets with the same combination of top-flight experience, physicality, and positional control. As a result, Brighton believe that if United remain convinced Baleba is the right fit, they will eventually have little choice but to meet Albion’s full asking price.

Seagulls sources insist their £100m-plus valuation will not change in upcoming transfer windows, regardless of outside pressure.

Baleba is currently away on international duty with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations and is expected to feature in today’s clash against South Africa.