Manchester United identify Takefusa Kubo as Jadon Sancho replacement?

Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Manchester United.

The Red Devils started the new season well-stocked for options on the flanks, helped by the arrival of Mason Mount and other players offering versatility.

However, the picture has changed for Erik ten Hag of late, with Antony spending a period on the sidelines due to domestic abuse allegations and Jadon Sancho being removed from the first-team squad.

Sancho's omission came after he fired back at Ten Hag questioning his level of performance in training, claiming that he had been made to be "a scapegoat" on more than one occasion.

With the England international refusing to apologise and Ten Hag having no intention of backing down, they have reached an impasse, one which will likely lead to Sancho's departure in January.

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As a result, a wide array of clubs are expected to come forward with loan proposals, and it will result in Ten Hag having to take stock of the market and find an alternative.

According to Spanish newspaper Nacional, United are taking an interest in negotiating a deal for Kubo.

The Japan international has put together an eye-catching start to the campaign, contributing five goals and two assists in La Liga and the Champions League.

Kubo has been absent from just one of Sociedad's 11 fixtures, an indication of how highly he is valued at the Anoeta Stadium.

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Nevertheless, the situation is complicated by Real Madrid still owning 50% of the playmaker after selling him to Sociedad in 2022.

He had been contracted to Los Blancos since 2019 without making a single appearance, instead spending loan spells at Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe.

Aside from the first of two stints at Mallorca, Kubo generally underwhelmed, but he has since chipped in with 14 goals and 11 assists in 53 outings for Sociedad.

With the 22-year-old possessing a contract until 2027, Sociedad are in a strong position to fend off any offers, a stance that Madrid may prefer if they have ambitions to re-sign Kubo later in his career.