An agreement between the clubs is moving closer that would take Carlos Baleba to Old Trafford, after Manchester United’s long-standing interest in the midfielder.

The Athletic has reported that Manchester United have lodged an opening bid worth £60m, with another £5m tied to add-ons. That offer falls short of Brighton’s valuation, but there is an expectation that both sides will reach a compromise.

Talks are continuing over the 22-year-old, who is understood to be keen on the move. United have stepped up their pursuit of Baleba as Michael Carrick aims to finish reshaping his midfield, following the summer arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

Manchester United’s focus on midfield reinforcements comes after Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s long-term injury. The three new arrivals would compete with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes for places in the side next season.

Brighton had been asking for around £100m for Baleba during last summer’s transfer window, although the Cameroon international’s inconsistent season has brought that valuation down.

In December, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler indicated that the transfer speculation may have had an impact on the midfielder.

“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down,” he said.

“That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him. But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team, and that’s something we have to keep on working with him and therefore I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not.

“But for sure, he’s a young boy, and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.”

Despite a mixed campaign at the Amex Stadium, Baleba ranked among the top 10 midfielders in the Premier League for interceptions per opposition possession, duels won, and defensive duels won. He was also in the top 15% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of duels won and possession won per 90 minutes.