Man City 'identify Brighton winger Mitoma as a potential replacement for Mahrez'

Manchester City have earmarked Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in a £30million deal earlier this month.

The treble winners already have Crystal Palace's Michael Olise and Rennes winger Jeremy Doku on their shortlist.

And Japanese international has also caught the attention of City boss Pep Guardiola, according to the Daily Star.

The 26-year-old impressed in the Premier League last season, scoring seven times in 24 appearances.

Mitoma signed for Brighton in August 2021 before spending a season in Belgium on loan at Union St Gilloise.

Mitoma, who was a regular for Japan at the World Cup finals in Qatar, helped the Seagulls qualify for Europe under Roberto De Zerbi.

He has two years left on his current contract at the South Coast outfit.

Having already lost midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool and goalkeeper goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to Chelsea, Brighton do not want to lose any more of their top stars.

They have rejected three bids from Chelsea for central midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Man City completed the signing of defender Josko Gvardiol for £78million on a five-year deal from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on Saturday.

The 21-year-old becomes the Premier League champion's second addition of the summer, joining his countryman Mateo Kovacic at the Etihad, and will wear the number 24 shirt.