Kaoru Mitoma is a target for Manchester United (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Manchester United are following Karou Mitoma’s development at Brighton, while Erik ten Hag plans a post-Anthony Martial life at Old Trafford.

Mitoma, 25, made his Brighton debut in August, having joined Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.7 million a year earlier.

The playmaker has scored nine goals and made six assists since Graham Potter left the South Coast.

The Japan international has thrived under Roberto De Zerbi and is now a regular starter for the Seagulls, who have a golden opportunity to finish in the top four.

Ten Hag remains a fan of Martial, but the Frenchman’s injury record this season has put United slightly ahead as the striker has made just 12 appearances this season.

Mitoma has scored nine goals this season (Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images)

The Dutchman has therefore reluctantly decided to monetize the former Monaco player and will look for a traditional striker to replace him.

Although Mitoma is not, Ten Hag and The Sun argue that United is closely monitoring his development.

Brighton would be hesitant to take advantage of Mitoma at the moment, but they have shown with Ben White and Marc Cucurella that they will sell for the right price.

United’s main focus will be to sign a striker and that move will likely come at the expense of Ten Hag’s budget.

Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are both targets and are said to cost around £100 million.

United will buy back Anthony Elanga to raise money and the Swede has attracted interest from Bundesliga giants Dortmund.