Man Utd eye swoop for Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma after 'sending scouts' to watch Japanese star

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma as they look to build for next season.

The Japanese international has been one of the stars of the season and a key player in a Brighton side that are challenging for a European spot, and reached an FA Cup semi-final.

His performances have alerted the Premier League's big guns, and they've started to show interest in the Seagulls' attacking sensation.

It's not uncommon for United to have scouts at Premier League games, but according to The Sun, those present at Brighton's recent games have focussed on looking at Mitoma.

Ironically, United will get another firsthand look at the 25-year-old when the teams clash in next month's FA Cup semi-final, after they were drawn to play each other at Wembley.

Mitoma arrived from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.7 million in 2021, and spent last season on loan at the Seagulls' sister club Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium last season.

He made his debut in Brighton's Carabao Cup second round win over Forest Green Rovers in August and has since been one of the stories of the campaign.

The Japanese has scored nine goals for Roberto De Zerbi's side and racked up six assists across all competitions.

The Seagulls have made a successful process in selling on prize assets in recent years, with Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma, Ben White, Leandro Trossard and Dan Burn all moving on large fees and earning the club major profit.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is planning a summer clear out at Old Trafford, paving the way for new recruits like Mitoma.

Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial could be two casualties of his shake-up, meaning United will need new faces in the wide attacking areas.

The club have already been linked with a blockbuster move for Harry Kane this summer, and he could form a new-look attack for the Red Devils as they look for a title bid next season.

Ten Hag's team remain on course for a cup treble in this current campaign. Having already won the Carabao Cup in February, United will meet Sevilla in the last-8 of the Europa League, before their FA Cup clash with Brighton.