Man United are eyeing RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara who is also a transfer target for Brighton, according to reports.

The Lowdown: ten Hag era underway...

United have been making steady progress since manager Erik ten Hag's appointment in the summer window, winning 12 out of their first 20 Premier League matches.

The Red Devils are still well in contention to clinch a top four finish and subsequent Champions League qualification with five wins in their last seven league games.

It is believed that the United chiefs, ahead of the summer of 2023, are drawing up transfer plans already for next season in a bid to back ten Hag and usher in a successful era.

The Latest: Man United eye Haidara...

According to reliable journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent, United are eyeing Mali international Haidara alongside Liverpool but Brighton are thought to be attempting a January move.

He explained on Twitter:

"Brighton have bid rejected for Haidara of RB Leipzig. Don't want to sell without replacement. United/Liverpool have been interested and monitoring. He has clause in contract for summer exit."

The Verdict: Good option?

Provided Brighton don't force Leipzig into selling with an irresistible offer, we believe Haidara could be a fairly solid back-up option for ten Hag if they pursue a move later this year.

The 24-year-old already has 32 international caps for Mali under his belt at such a young age and has been linked with a big move to Old Trafford previously.

Reports emerged last January that United chiefs were in 'open dialogue' with Leipzig over the signing of Haidara but the transfer failed to materialise.

Those links appear to be resurfacing with the Manchester giants still keeping tabs, and with an estimated market value of just £15 million, the signing would be of little risk financially.

Haidara has one huge admirer in former interim boss Ralf Rangnick, as evident by United's interest last year and the fact Rangnick has called the player 'absolutely exceptional'.

Also branded 'excellent' by current Leipzig boss Marco Rose, it's clear Haidara is a player of real potential.