Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a move for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils are interested in securing the highly-rated 21-year-old's signature over the coming months after growing tired of Aaron Wan-Bissaka's inefficiencies.

The original report states that: "It's no mystery that Manchester United no longer want Aaron Wan-Bissaka on their team, at least as a starter."

It goes on to claim that United could provide new manager Ralf Rangnick with a 'magnificent player' by sanctioning a deal for Lamptey in the winter window, labelling the youngster a 'special talent'.

Bye-Bye Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Since arriving at the Amex Stadium from boyhood club Chelsea back in January 2020, Lamptey has established himself as one of the most promising and exciting full-backs in the Premier League.

In 26 appearances for Brighton, the England U21 international has scored one goal and provided four assists for his teammates, attracting praise from several impressed onlookers.

His current manager Graham Potter has previously lauded both Lamptey's attacking ability and defensive qualities following his fast start to life on the south coast.

"He's got such electric pace, but lots of players have that," said Potter. "It's having the ability to run in behind. The ability to run into space is often what separates players.

"Tariq does that, but he's got courage, he does his defensive work. The boys love him, and he's in a good place."

And the Seagulls boss is not Lamptey's only admirer. Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer also praised the right-back after picking him in his Team of the Week for matchday 2 last term, giving a brief comment on the youngster’s performances to justify his inclusion.

“The teenager only played for an hour but that hour was outstanding. He was a constant threat with his pace and nearly scored a deserved goal. A brilliant future lies ahead,” he wrote.

And when looking at Lamptey's underlying numbers compared to Wan-Bissaka's, it's easy to understand why Rangnick may be tempted to sanction a move for the £16.2m-rated Brighton ace.

As per FBref.com, Lamptey has recorded two key passes per 90 this season, 5.09 shot-creating actions and 12 pressures, bettering the United flops tallies of 0.62, 1.62 and 10.8, respectively.

Wan-Bissaka also falls behind his compatriot in terms of attempted dribbles and carries into the opposition box too, with totals of 2.92 and 0.31 per 90 being dwarfed by his competitor's tallies of 6.87 and 2.57.

Therefore, Rangnick must carefully consider a swoop for Lamptey in the upcoming transfer window, potentially adding a significant attacking force to his struggling charges.

And, in other news...Rangnick could finally end Man Utd’s striker hunt by signing £36m-rated “world-beater”