Man Utd scout Brighton star as new transfer target emerges for Erik ten Hag

Manchester United are tracking the progress of Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma following his impressive breakthrough season at the Amex Stadium.

Mitoma has been sensational under Roberto De Zerbi this term. The Seagulls signed the Japan international from Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.7million in 2021, before he was immediately sent out on loan to sister club Union Saint-Gilloise.

The 25-year-old only made his full Brighton debut back in August during a Carabao Cup tie against Forest Green, but hasn’t looked back since making his first Premier League start against Chelsea back in October. Mitoma has started every game he has been available in since and has been a key component in the Seagulls’ Champions League bid.

Having grabbed nine goals and six assists in 27 matches this season, Mitoma’s form has caught the attention of several clubs across Europe, including United. The Red Devils have sent scouts to watch the talented flyer in recent weeks, as first reported by the Sun.

United will get an up close look before the end of the season, with Mitoma due to face the Red Devils twice before the campaign ends, including the FA Cup semi-final tie at Wembley in April. The reports sent by United’s scouts will no doubt come in handy then, and for the rearranged Premier League game on the south coast, which has yet to have a fixed date due to United’s European commitments.

Ten Hag looks set to rejig his United squad this summer with Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial both facing the axe after failing to cement their place in his plans. Wout Weghorst will also return to Burnley at the end of the campaign following his short-term loan spell.

United will almost certainly dip into the market to further bolster Ten Hag’s rebuild. Certainly, they will need to spend big to prise Mitoma from the Amex – regardless of whether De Zerbi’s men finish in the top four.

Brighton have made huge profits on the likes of Ben White, Leandro Trossard, Yves Bissouma, Dan Burn and Marc Cucurella in the last few years – and Mitoma certainly wouldn’t come cheap.

Speaking recently to The Beautiful Game Podcast, Brighton chief Paul Barber said: “He’s (Mitoma) another player that no doubt is going to be in the spotlight again come the next transfer window, but we’re ready for that and we understand that.”