One of the most exciting centre-back prospects in world football right now is Luka Vuskovic of Tottenham Hotspur, but Brighton are planning a move to sign him.
At 19 years old, the Croatian central defender is already so experienced in senior football, and after a stellar loan with HSV in Germany, Luka Vuskovic is expected at Tottenham this summer to properly start his career.
But he might not get the chance, according to David Ornstein, because Brighton have made a £30m offer to sign Vuskovic, with the youngster favouring a move to the Amex given the route for development.
Vuskovic is set for a breakout World Cup, and Brighton spending £30m now could easily be worth double in a month. Spurs would be fools to accept this, and the deal is worth United keeping an eye on for two different reasons.
Manchester United should be plotting a hijack of Luka Vuskovic move
Tipped by many to become one of the best defenders in the world over the coming years, Vuskovic would be an excellent signing for Brighton, replacing Tottenham-bound Jan Paul van Hecke perfectly.
£30m is a complete bargain for a player of Vuskovic’s quality and potential, and if that is the fee, United should be all over that deal, trying to hijack it.
The only issue is that Vuskovic wants to join Brighton for the development pathway, and he trusts Fabian Hurzeler. United wouldn’t be starting Vuskovic, and Michael Carrick wouldn’t be able to promise him the same importance he would have for Brighton.
But with Leny Yoro heading into a make-or-break season, Matthijs de Ligt not playing since December, and Harry Maguire’s advancing age, signing Vuskovic would be good planning from United.
However, there is a chance this is more of an agreement between Brighton and Spurs to get a defender each on discounted terms; United might not stand a chance.
Man Utd refinance $425m of debt with $500m deal – Are you worried? Or is this all just part of Sir Jim’s masterplan?
What is your message Glazers on this debt issue?
Brighton spending big might open door to Carlos Baleba sale
Another reason that Brighton’s interest in Vuskovic is worth United watching would be because if Spurs ask for closer to £40m for the Croatian, then Brighton’s spending this summer may need to be funded with a sale.
To date, Brighton have been pricing Baleba out of a move this summer, demanding a premium fee for a player whose signing carries a lot of risk.
But if they need the funds, Brighton might be more willing to put a discount on Baleba to allow them to spend further this summer.
Brighton has Europa League football to plan for, and Baleba hasn’t been good for them in the past year, so selling a little cheaper would be a smart call from them.
It would be risky for United, but at £50m one absolutely worth taking.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
