At the end of last month we reported how United were unconvinced of his value in the market. And right now they may distance themselves from him - just as he warms to the idea of a move.
United tested the waters for Baleba last summer, more to express genuine interest and unsettle the player than to force a deal. They knew Brighton would not negotiate and that proved correct.
The Seagulls refused to even place a valuation on him during the initial interaction, though it later emerged they privately rated him at well over £100 million.
United pushed ahead with a midfield built around Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, while privately beginning to map out a longer-term reshaping of the centre of the pitch.
In that scenario, Baleba could easily have remained a prime candidate. But his form has dipped this season and Brighton are still believed to be holding firm towards that £100 million valuation.
United do not accept that figure and, in that sense, are going cold on the player as they eye the next transfer window.
Ironically, it is now understood that Baleba would be more willing to push for a transfer than he was in the summer.
But Brighton would not sell in January anyway and United have widened their search to other midfielders this season.
They have checked on Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Yehor Yarmolyuk, while also being linked with the likes of Morten Hjulmand, Angelo Stiller, Conor Gallagher, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Joao Gomes.
They want a midfielder who can provide defensive balance but another who can operate as a number eight. The situation is a priority as they prepare for a future beyond Casemiro and, eventually, Fernandes.
United’s search seems wide open for now - though they hope to firm up targets by the end of this month.
