Man Utd and Man City 'receive boost' in their pursuit of 'top level' £51 million Premier League star

Manchester City and Manchester United both had quiet January transfer windows but rumours are swirling around a potential busy summer. The two clubs have different missions for this season but one thing they have in common is their interest in transfer targets.

According to Football Transfers, both City and United are keen on signing Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of the season, and Premier League rivals Chelsea are also said to be in the picture. Relayed via Fichajes, the trio of clubs have 'received a boost' in their pursuit, as the Seagulls 'could consider' offers for their star attacker in the summer.

Brighton recently agreed a deal for FC Nordsjaelland winger Ibrahim Osman, which could open up the possibility of Mitoma moving on once the 2023/24 season ends.

The Japanese international has been an instrumental figure for Brighton. He contributed ten goals and eight assists last season and played a big part in the club's historic qualification for European football. Even during this season's slightly underwhelming run, Mitoma has bagged three goals in five assists.

Since his arrival in 2021, the 26-year-old has impressed those around him. James Milner recently paid compliments to his teammate, after Brighton beat Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League back in October.

"He’s top level, the way he watches the defenders and reacts to that, the way he dribbles, he’s a very clever player, very sharp and he’s an important player for us for sure."

Brighton CEO Paul Barber also described Mitoma as an 'exciting' player to watch and a 'throwback to old-school wingers'. He also admitted the club were preparing to to receive attention for the playmaker on the transfer market.

The original report claims that the Seagulls value Mitoma at €60 million (£51m), as his current contract does not run out until the summer of 2027.