Manchester United have apparently turned their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper Carl Rushworth as they continue to search for summer reinforcements in between the posts.
Ruben Amorim's cause has not been helped by a series of goalkeeping failings in the 2024-25 season, one in which the Red Devils are guaranteed to finish with their lowest-ever points total in the competition.
Number one Andre Onana could have done little to stop Pablo Sarabia's sensational free kick in the weekend's 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the Cameroonian has continued to make comical errors throughout the season.
Furthermore, number two Altay Bayindir has struggled to make his mark when given a chance, while the ageing Tom Heaton is out of contract this summer and could move into a coaching role.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Bayindir and Heaton in particular, talkSPORT claims that Man United are now entertaining the idea of making a move for Brighton's Rushworth when the window re-opens.
Who is Man United-linked Rushworth?
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A former Huddersfield Town and Halifax shot-stopper, Rushworth joined the Brighton academy setup in the summer of 2019 but has seen his path to the first team blocked thus far.
Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele are currently ahead of the 23-year-old in the pecking order, while Robert Sanchez and Mat Ryan formerly prevented Rushworth from earning his chance.
As a result, Rushworth is still waiting to make his debut for the Seagulls and has been loaned out four times already, representing Swansea City, Walsall, Lincoln City and most recently Hull City on a temporary basis.
However, the England Under-21 international made just three senior appearances for the Tigers due to a serious ankle injury before returning to Brighton in January, since when he has been a regular presence on Fabian Hurzeler's bench.
Rushworth is contracted to Brighton for another two seasons, but the report claims that the Englishman is expected to push for a move elsewhere this summer given his lack of first-team opportunities.
West Ham United are also rumoured to be monitoring developments surrounding the 23-year-old, whom Brighton would apparently want over £5m for to sell in the upcoming window.
What other goalkeepers are Man United targeting?
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While Rushworth would be a cost-effective option and fit the INEOS philosophy of signing young players, the 23-year-old will surely not be deemed ready for the number one spot at Man United.
Instead, the likes of Lille's Lucas Chevalier, Espanyol's Joan Garcia or Burnley's James Trafford could be given that honour, and the Red Devils were also said to have renewed their interest in Porto's Diogo Costa recently.
However, a swoop for the Portugal international appears to be a non-starter, as it has been claimed that he has given another Premier League club the green light instead.
Ben Knapton
