Manchester United are scouting Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, according to reports in the English media.

The Japanese international has been in excellent form for the Seagulls, having racked up nine goals and six assists in 27 appearances this campaign.

Mitoma has already been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, but it looks as though United will also enter the running for the player’s signature.

The 25-year-old has been praised for his “incredible” displays this season by former England striker Jermain Defoe, and he has certainly looked the part since breaking into Brighton’s first team.

After initially making the switch to the south coast in the summer of 2021, Mitoma was immediately sent out on loan to feeder club Union Saint-Gilloise. Following a successful year in Belgium, he returned to the Seagulls last year.

Considering Mitoma prefers to play off the left wing, it’s difficult to see where he would fit in at United, especially as it’s Marcus Rashford‘s preferred position. We shall have to wait and see whether there is any substance to this story.