According to transfer news on Fichajes (h/t Burnley Express), Manchester United are plotting a move for Brighton ace Tariq Lamptey in January. The 21-year-old has started the current season slowly but is getting up to pace now, as evidenced by his encouraging performance against Leeds United on the weekend.

A product of the Chelsea academy, Lamptey dined with some of the best stars of the Cobham setup. After a lack of first-team chances, he switched clubs and joined the Seagulls in January 2020. He was a vital part of the side that avoided relegation last season and is looking to garner a European spot this term. 

But could the youngster leave the Amex Stadium mid-season? And could he be the first signing of the Ralf Rangnick era at Man United?

Tariq Lamptey might suit the kind of football Rangnick wants to employ at Man United

Since signing for Brighton nearly two years ago, Lamptey has racked up 26 appearances and has contributed to 5 goals.

He was a fresh mid-season introduction to their side in the 2019/20 campaign but showed his potential in his first full season last term.

Playing as a right-back and a wing-back, he portrayed his abilities in the attacking and defensive phases.