Manchester United have reportedly started to monitoring the progression of Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma.
When the Seagulls secured a deal for Mitoma in 2021, his subsequent loan exit to Union SG meant that the transfer went somewhat under the radar.
However, on the back of impressing in Belgium, the Japan international has returned to the Amex Stadium to emerge as one of the players of the season.
The left-sided player has chipped in with six goals and three assists from 13 starts and seven substitute outings in the Premier League.
A further two strikes have come in the FA Cup, with Brighton having reached the semi-finals of that competition as well as challenging for European qualification through the top flight.
© Reuters
Although Mitoma is enjoying his football on the South Coast, the fact that he has just over two years left on his contract leaves each of the relevant parties at somewhat of a crossroads regarding their next move.
While Brighton could theoretically keep Mitoma until 2024 without a renewal, there will be an acknowledgement that Mitoma's peak transfer value could be this summer.
Over the weekend, it was claimed that Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid were all taking an interest in any developments with Mitoma's future.
According to The Sun, United have done the same as they think about their potential additions during the next transfer window.
© Reuters
United have allegedly have scouts present at a number of Brighton fixtures to assess whether Mitoma would fit into Erik ten Hag's squad.
The Red Devils are already well stocked for options on the left flank with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho having been regularly used there this campaign.
Nevertheless, Rashford could be used more often down the middle while 19-year-old Garnacho is not deemed ready to start senior matches on a weekly basis.
A transfer fee for Mitoma is not suggested at this stage, although it seems plausible that it will be in excess of £40m giving Brighton's asking prices for some of their other star men.
Darren Plant
