Takefusa Kubo, a Japanese player who has flourished since leaving Real Madrid, is being considered by Manchester United as a potential replacement for Antony

As they search for a successor for the underwhelming Antony, Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Takefusa Kubo, a former Real Madrid wonderkid.

The Japanese international signed with Real Sociedad last season after attending Barcelona’s academy and subsequently Real Madrid. He’s been getting stronger for the Spanish team, and this season, United has sent scouts to observe him at least seven times.

Since leaving Ajax for enormous money last season, Antony has performed remarkably poorly, and Erik ten Hag may need to reduce his losses. Kubo has been able to offer Sociedad with his finest game; in 67 appearances since his £5.5 million move, he has scored 15 goals and created 13 assists.

United is now interested in the 22-year-old, who was repeatedly loaned out and never saw action for Los Blancos. With the player under contract until 2027, Sociedad, who are in the Champions League knockout stages, declined a £26 million offer from Napoli in the summer.

The Sun claims that the Spanish team would take a bid of about £43 million for the winger, who is capable of playing in numerous offensive positions. The chance still exists for United to let Antony leave, albeit on loan, in order to bolster any bid.

Scouts from Manchester will continue to keep an eye on Kubo as they watch Sunday’s goalless draw between Sociedad and Real Betis, in which the Japanese player was named Player of the Match. United is unlikely to take any action in January since they are still concerned about Financial Fair Play penalties.

Due to the unclear futures of several of United’s wide forwards, any raid may have to wait until the summer. With Ten Hag in charge, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho both seem to be nearing the end of their careers at Old Trafford.