Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Brighton defender Pervis Estupinan. The Red Devils are keen to bolster their defensive ranks this summer, having already shaken up their frontline with the addition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves – and they continue to work on a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Ruben Amorim spoke openly last season about how he would orchestrate a rebuild of his ranks over the coming months, with several stars set to depart in order to raise funds for further marquee arrivals.
According to Caught Offside, the Red Devils are one of four sides battling it out for the signature of Brighton’s Estupinan. The Ecuador international has impressed over the past few seasons on the south coast, and his performances have not gone unnoticed around Europe.
Chelsea, Tottenham and AC Milan are also keen to acquire the services of the former Villarreal star, and a ‘bidding war’ could break out. Brighton are demanding at least £33million for their defender, though the Seagulls have gained a reputation for being tough negotiators and thus that fee could rise due to the volume of interest in the 27-year-old.
Estupinan’s contract with the Seagulls runs until 2027 and they are therefore under no pressure to part ways with the No. 30. However, they are willing to consider any offers that do arrive.
With his impressive engine and desire to make his presence felt at both ends of the pitch, Estupinan could be the ideal candidate for Amorim’s left wing-back role and provide competition for Patrick Dorgu.
It is not the first time that the defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in his career. Five years ago, whilst Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was at the helm of the Red Devils, United were one of several sides to be cited as holding a strong interest in Estupinan.
In 2020, reports in Ecuador claimed that United, Atletico Madrid and several Italian outfits were battling it out for Estupinan, who had enjoyed a strong season on loan at Osasuna from Watford. Villarreal ultimately pounced to strike a deal for £14.9m and he spent two seasons with the Spanish side before Brighton lured him to the Premier League to replace now-Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.