POTT'S PLOT

GRAHAM POTTER could be drafted in as Erik ten Hag’s replacement and shake up the Manchester United squad.

As SunSport exclusively revealed, the former Chelsea and Brighton boss met with incoming Old Trafford sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The secret talks between the pair — who worked closely together at the Amex — took place last weekend.

Potter met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe back in December and remains the new co-owner and his sidekick Sir Dave Brailsford’s No1 choice to take over in the dugout should they sack Ten Hag.

And should unattached Potter, 48, land the gig at the Theatre of Dreams, he would no doubt be keen to stamp his identity on the squad.

That could see him raid his former clubs for a wave of new signings.

In defence, Trevoh Chalobah could be an option from Chelsea.

The Blues academy graduate got regular starts under Potter at Stamford Bridge but has managed just three appearances this term under Mauricio Pochettino due to injury, totalling 116 minutes of action.

The defender is now down on the pecking list of central defenders in West London so may be ready for a new challenge.

Pervis Estupinan may then come in as the exciting new left-back.

The Ecuadorian has been in superb form for the Seagulls since Potter signed him in August 2022 and would be a long-term solution in the position.

Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez would keep their places in the back four with goalkeeper Andre Onana now settling in the north west.

In midfield, teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo has cemented his place in the base of midfield but with doubts over the likes of Casemiro and Scott McTominay, a new partner could join him. And that may well be Billy Gilmour.

The Scottish star was another man picked up by Potter just before he left Brighton for Chelsea but he has kicked on under Roberto De Zerbi. Further forward, there are plenty of options. Alejandro Garnacho is a United fan favourite and there are high hopes for what he can achieve in the famous red shirt over the years ahead.

But Bruno Fernandes’ popularity could be slipping - paving the way for a new attacking midfielder.

Potter may want to be reunited with Julio Enciso, who arrived on the South Coast in 2022 as well.

Enciso’s best position is in behind a main central striker.

On the left, Marcus Rashford is the current first choice but he remains a transfer target for PSG as Kylian Mbappe’s replacement at the Parc des Princes.

And that may mean yet another 2022 Brighton signing could make the switch to Old Trafford in the shape of winger Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan international, who could equally be in competition with Rashford, has lit up the Amex over the past 18 months and the club know they face a battle to keep hold of the star.

Likewise, Simon Adingra arrived in 2022, is in red-hot form for Brighton and delivered for Ivory Coast at the recent Africa Cup of Nations so could be a target, too.

Brighton also recognise Evan Ferguson may have a future at one of the biggest clubs in the country. The Irishman is still a teenager until October but is already displaying all the traits needed for a successful Premier League striker.

United did of course bring in Rasmus Hojlund last summer and the Denmark ace is finding his form in England.

But Potter may be desperate to work with Ferguson again - and just as importantly not see the striker join a rival — so could have both men to push each other to even greater heights.