Manchester United are considering a deal for Japanese star Takefusa Kubo, who has flourished since leaving Real Madrid, with the club looking for a successor for Antony Martial.

According to sources, Manchester United are considering a deal for former Real Madrid wonderkid Takefusa Kubo as a replacement for the ineffective Antony.

The Japanese international, who has previously played for Barcelona’s academy and Real Madrid, left the Bernabeu last season to join Real Sociedad. He’s flourished at the Spanish club, and United has sent scouts to watch him at least seven times this season.

Erik ten Hag may have to cut his losses after Antony has underwhelmed since his big-money move from Ajax last season. Sociedad have gotten the most out of Kubo, who has 15 goals and 13 assists in 67 appearances since joining for £5.5 million.

The 22-year-old never played for Los Blancos and was often loaned out, but United are now interested. Sociedad, who are in the Champions League knockout rounds, turned down a £26 million offer from Napoli in the summer, despite the fact that the player is under contract until 2027.

According to The Sun, the Spanish club would accept a sum of around £43 million for the winger, who can also play in various attacking areas. There is still the possibility that United will allow Antony to leave, even on loan, to sweeten any offer.

The Manchester club will keep an eye on Kubo, with scouts in attendance for Sociedad’s goalless draw with Real Betis on Sunday, in which the Japanese star was voted Player of the Match. United are unlikely to make any January deals because they are concerned about Financial Fair Play penalties.

As a result, with several of United’s wide forwards facing unclear futures, any swoop may have to wait until the summer. Anthony Martial appears to be on his way out, while Jadon Sancho appears to have no future at Old Trafford while Ten Hag is in control.