Manchester United have supposedly submitted a surprise enquiry for Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Pervis Estupinan.
The 27-year-old struggled with a couple of ankle and muscular injuries in the 2024-25 campaign but nevertheless played a key role in Fabian Hurzeler's Seagulls system.
Estupinan contributed one goal and one assist from 30 Premier League appearances last season, helping Brighton secure an eighth-placed finish in the English top-flight table.
However, the Seagulls will not be playing Conference League football next season, potentially leaving them at risk of seeing their top talents poached by teams competing in Europe.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs - via The Sun - Man United have now been in touch with Brighton to discuss a move for Estupinan, who could slot seamlessly into Ruben Amorim's system.
Man United 'submit enquiry' for Brighton's Estupinan
© Imago
The Ecuador international has largely played as an out-and-out left-back under Hurzeler, but he is also comfortable in a wing-back position so would be a natural fit for Man United's 3-4-3 shape.
Estupinan is also about to enter the final two years of his contract at the Amex Stadium, although Brighton could very well try to secure an extension with the defender's camp in due course.
Even if the Seagulls do decide that a sale is best for all parties, they are notoriously cut-throat negotiators, and Man United cannot expect to land Estupinan on the cheap this summer.
Brighton forked out £15m to bring Estupinan to the South Coast from Villarreal in 2022, since when the left-back has come up with five goals and 14 assists in 104 matches for the Seagulls.
Prior to joining the Premier League outfit, Estupinan was part of the Villarreal squad that won the 2020-21 Europa League, although he was an unused substitute in the final win over Man United.
Why Man United move for Estupinan makes little sense
© Iconsport
Estupinan's attacking qualities and ability to thrive as a wing-back makes him an obvious candidate for the left-sided slot at Man United, but the Red Devils surely have other priorities that need addressing first.
Amorim already added to his left flank in January with the capture of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, while Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are also capable of doing a job in that position.
Every club is also aware of the Red Devils' dire financial situation, and Brighton are never ones to back down from a tough negotiation, so this transfer will surely never get off the ground.
Instead, Man United need to get a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha over the line while also making a final call on the future of Bruno Fernandes, whose possible exit could apparently lead to a rift between Amorim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ben Knapton
