Sacked manager Erik ten Hag was reportedly interested in Manchester United re-signing Danny Welbeck.
Ten Hag recently lost his job as head coach of the Red Devils after two and a half years and the club will appoint Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim as his successor.
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Goals were arguably the biggest problem for the Dutchman, whose side scored just eight goals in their first nine Premier League games this season before his sacking.
Former United striker Welbeck, meanwhile, has scored six goals of his own for a Brighton side that sits sixth in the table, five points ahead of the Red Devils, who are in 14th.
The Athletic claim United have identified their former academy star as a possible summer target towards the end of the 2023/24 season.
Welbeck joined United at the age of 11 and spent 13 years at the club before moving to Arsenal in 2014.
The now 33-year-old Englishman is enjoying perhaps the most productive period of his career with the Seagulls.
Ten Hag is believed to have been particularly interested in Welbeck, who was due to become a free agent in July.
United were considering replacing Anthony Martial and Welbeck had impressed Ten Hag in games against his side.
Welbeck set up one of the goals in Brighton’s 2-1 win over United in Ten Hag’s first game.
The former England star has scored five goals against United since leaving the club – and two of those goals came during Ten Hag’s tenure, including one earlier this season.
United’s new hierarchy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, led by Sir Dave Brailsford and Dan Ashworth, was also believed to be keen on the idea.
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Welbeck’s return to his boyhood club would likely have proved popular with fans, while the 33-year-old is considered one of the fittest players at Brighton.
However, it is claimed that the club’s directors were unwilling to approve a transfer for Ten Hag as doubts remain over his future.
The Dutchman clung to his job before winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which eventually earned him a new contract.
However, with recruitment plans put on hold, United missed the opportunity to sign Welbeck, who signed a new contract with Brighton shortly after the January transfer window.
United’s defeat has proven to be a win for the Seagulls – and manager Fabian Hurzeler is delighted with his No.9.
Hurzeler said at the beginning of October: “If he continues to behave the way he does, he can continue playing for a long time.”
“We have another player who is almost 40 years old and is still there, trying to be the best every day. That goes for Danny too.”
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“I knew it [when I came] He had great talent and is a great teammate who supports us a lot. He is not only a great footballer, but also a great teammate and a great personality.
“He has a feel for the dynamics of the team and tries to connect the players with each other. This is very important for me.”