Man Utd agree £70m fee for Brighton’s Baleba

United targeted the Cameroon international this week after deciding to strengthen their midfield further following the earlier arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.

It remains to be seen whether United will continue to search for a left-back to challenge Luke Shaw, or whether Baleba, a left-footed player who has played in that position on occasion, and regular right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui - who have both been used on the left - can provide the cover head coach Michael Carrick needs.

In addition to Santos and Tielemans, England international Kobbie Mainoo will be available for the Saturday lunchtime Premier League trip to newly promoted Hull City.