United Monitor Brighton Teen Vuskovic as Centre-Back Search Widens
Manchester United have reportedly joined the race for 19-year-old Brighton centre-back Luka Vuskovic as INEOS consider strengthening at the heart of defence.
The Peoples Person reports that United’s interest is part of a wider defensive rebuild, rather than a move that has advanced to a formal offer. No fee has been established, and the report says the pursuit remains at the scouting and player-analysis stage.
That wider recruitment picture includes Manchester United’s centre-back plans, with Vuskovic one name attracting attention as the club assesses its options.
Why United are looking at centre-back options
The Peoples Person points to a combination of fitness, workload and development concerns in the current group. Matthijs de Ligt, according to the report, has been sidelined since November 2025 and is gradually working his way back, while questions remain over how soon he can regain his best form.
Harry Maguire’s ability to handle several matches in a week is also raised as a concern. Lisandro Martinez’s injury issues and contract situation add uncertainty, while Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are described as needing more time to develop. The report says INEOS are therefore looking to add depth at centre-back next year.
| Player | Age | Reported detail |
| Luka Vuskovic | 19 | Brighton defender; five clean sheets |
A crowded field, with no offer yet
The report, which attributes the claim to Fussball News, names Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid among the clubs monitoring Vuskovic. Tottenham are also said to have him on their radar after selling him in the summer, with a reported buyback clause and sell-on fee adding another complication.
Brighton are described as reluctant to sanction a sale so soon and willing to consider only record-breaking bids. That is not a confirmed asking price, but it underlines the scale of the challenge for United if their scouting interest becomes something more concrete.
United’s monitoring of young centre-backs points to a broader search, but Vuskovic is not yet close to a move. No written offers have reportedly reached Brighton and direct negotiations have not begun; for now, this is a name on the radar, not a deal in motion.
