Teddy Sheringham has urged Manchester United to sign Brighton striker Charalampos Kostoulas in the January transfer window, warning that Arsenal could beat them to the 19-year-old's signature.
United sit 18th in the Premier League table and are without a win in eight league matches after a dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa last weekend. The poor run is expected to cost manager Michael Carrick his job, with reports suggesting he will be sacked during the international break.
Eddie Howe, Fabian Hurzeler, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have all been linked with the role, while Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a serious candidate ahead of the match against Liverpool on November 22.
Sheringham identifies Kostoulas as ideal target
Speaking to Metro, Sheringham said the new United manager would need support in the transfer market, and he named Kostoulas as his preferred attacking addition.
'There's one player I'd like to see Manchester United go and sign in January and it's the young Greek centre-forward at Brighton, Charalampos Kostoulas,' Sheringham said. 'What a player he is. I love him.'
He added: 'I love the way he plays. He's got energy, he knows his position, and he's still a young man as well. He knows how to retain possession, and he definitely knows where the net is. He brings players into play, and has got that bit of flair about him.'
Kostoulas impresses in Brighton's strong season
Kostoulas joined Brighton from Olympiakos for £30million in June 2025 and has five goal contributions in ten league matches this season, helping the club sit second in the table. The Greek teenager scored in Brighton's 3-0 win over Arsenal in September.
Sheringham, speaking via Boyle Sports, believes United may face competition from the Gunners for the striker.
'I think he'll be the next centre-forward to go for big money,' he said. 'I'd be surprised if Arsenal don't go for him before United have a chance so United need to get him in quickly.'
'For me, he's the next big prospect coming through in world football, and you've got to get him in to lead the line. I know he's only a young lad but he's just got that stature about him, and he's full of confidence. Confidence is a massive thing. He's playing with confidence right now and at the moment he looks fantastic.'
