Manchester United may be about to reignite their interest in one of their long-term transfer targets if recent reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

The Red Devils were reportedly interested in Bournemouth versatile midfielder David Brooks in the summer but a move did not materialise.

The Wales international has scored four goals and supplied five assists in 20 games for the Cherries this season, but it seems like his time at the Vitality Stadium could be coming to an end, as a move to the Premier League appears to be on the cards.

Indeed, Aston Villa have apparently joined United in pursuit of Brooks after the Championship club softened their stance on keeping the Welshman, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook understands.

Better than Daniel James?

It's no secret Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a winger in the January transfer market. The Manchester Evening News made it clear the club legend wants to bring in four new players over the course of the next two transfer windows and Brooks seemingly remains on the shortlist.

Adding someone like himto the squad would add some much-needed creativity, with the 23-year-old contributing to nine goals across all competitions this season, as per Transfermarkt.

The diminutive 5 ft 6 in speedster has emerged as a breakout star at Bournemouth - since his arrival nearly three years ago, the Welsh youngster has bagged 12 goals and 10 assists in 62 games and is averaging 1.6 shots and 1.2 key passes per game this season, via WhoScored.

In contrast, he is taking more shots than Daniel James, and exceeds his countryman's 26.2 passes on average per game as well, which shows he far offers more of a threat in the final third.

Should Brooks make the switch to Old Trafford, he may have to fight for a place as Solskjaer has opted to start the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Juan Mata on the right wing in recent weeks.

There's no denying the fact it would be a big ask for the Welshman to instantly make an impact but he could be the perfect long-term replacement for Mata as it's safe to say that the 32-year-old isn't getting any younger.

In fact, the veteran Spaniard has suffered from a dip in form over the past few months - the former Spain international has made just eight starts this season with his last coming by way of the 1-0 at home to West Brom back in November.

Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe heaped praise on Brooks after he scored twice against Brighton in 2018.

"It has typified his introduction to the club," said Howe.

"He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today.

"He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent.

"His first goal was sublime and his second was very clever because he was running at an angle and just directed it backwards behind him which was really impressive."

If the Red Devils returned for the Welsh international this month, he could be a cheap and effective short-term solution to their problems on the right wing as Transfermarkt currently value him at just £16m.

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