manager Fabian Hurzeler may have highlighted another reason for to press on with a deal for Carlos Baleba this summer over the weekend. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the Seagulls at the end of the season, with , and among his admirers.

However, the Red Devils may not be able to afford to watch another Brighton-developed star head elsewhere in the Premier League - especially as he may have highlighted why he is Ruben Amorim's ideal acquisition over the weekend.

During Brighton's 2-2 draw with , the 21-year-old was deployed as a makeshift centre-back, and he emerged with plenty of credit. Baleba made several key tackles and blocks, as well as reading danger well to prevent Jamie Vardy from getting in behind.

However, it was his work on the ball which may have caught the eye of Amorim. The Cameroon international stepped forward into midfield well, creating two chances in those areas and opening up the Leicester backline with a handful of cutting passes.

Baleba completed 91 of his 99 passes at the back in a confident, assured performance. And as a result, a display which could also intrigue the higher powers at Old Trafford.

Amorim has been insistent on playing a back-three since joining the Red Devils earlier this season and a centre-back is therefore being eyed. Thus, Baleba may have highlighted all the qualities that the ex-Sporting boss is looking for from one of his centre-back.

The 21-year-old is more than capable of carrying the ball out of defence and his recovery pace could prove very useful in those areas. However, he will cost a significant £100million to prise him away from Brighton, reports . Baleba is, of course, also naturally a midfielder, he can slot in alongside Manuel Ugarte when required as well and be the defensive engine that the Red Devils are crying out for.

With a fire sale in the offing at the Theatre of Dreams, investing £100m in one signing could prove difficult to justify among club chiefs, but Baleba appears capable of solving two of United's biggest problems at present, which would be music to the ears of Amorim. The Red Devils are reportedly keen to bring in another striker and a goalkeeper, with Brighton's Bart Verbruggen among their favoured options between the sticks.