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Bryan Mbeumo has been 'trying to persuade' Cameroon team-mate Carlos Baleba to join him at Manchester United.
The £71million signing from Brentford has not been at Old Trafford long but is attempting to play his part in strengthening the squad, according to the Sun.
They report that Mbeumo sees Brighton's 21-year-old midfield dynamo as a 'little brother' and has been trying to convince him of the potential move during the international break.
United were interested in Baleba in the summer transfer window but Brighton wanted in excess of £100million and stood firm. United are currently 10th in the table, with Ruben Amorim under huge pressure and a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool up next.
Mbeumo and Baleba have been together on international duty with Cameroon and the pair have grown closer.
The forward was seen consoling Baleba, and protecting him from a pitch invasion, after Cameroon lost against minnows Cape Verde in September.
Bryan Mbeumo, pictured reporting for Man United training on Thursday, is back from international duty where he was reportedly trying to persuade Carlos Baleba to join
Baleba (left), was linked with a move to United in the summer but it did not materialise
If Brighton do end up cashing in on the midfielder, it would again prove to be stunning business as they brought him in to replace Moises Caicedo, who made them £73m in profit with his sale to Chelsea.
Baleba only cost the Seagulls £23million from Lille but has already more than tripled his value following an outstanding last campaign.
The youngster has however endured a slightly tricky start to the season, with his manager Fabian Hurzeler admitting the interest from United may have been a distraction.
He previously explained: 'For sure, when a young boy reads that there’s interest from Manchester United with a big offer, it might affect him deeply, even if he’s not saying.
'That’s also part of the development, to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer from a big club that wants to have him.
'Then, to keep pushing to be humble, stay here and be bright, and try to make the next step together with the team.'
He added: 'I am a football coach because, first of all, of course I am obsessed with football.
'But second of all is seeing the improvement and development of the young players. And also helping them out of some bad phases.
Baleba has not had the best start to the season but his manager is convinced he will come good
Mbeumo is said to have grown close with Baleba on international duty with Cameroon
'We talk a lot, for example, about Carlos. He had an incredible development last season and everyone was so pleased and so happy with him.
'Now there is a wave and it is really important to keep being with him, keep pushing him, keep supporting him. These are also moments I really enjoy.
'I think it is not only being there when everything is nice. It is easy when you are successful.'
Mbeumo, Baleba and Co will now face a play-off to get to the World Cup after a win and a draw during the international break saw them finish second in the group behind Cape Verde.
The forward has been one of the bright sparks for Amorim's side this season and could endear himself to fans even more with a starring role against arch rivals Liverpool this Sunday.
Baleba will be in action for Brighton against Newcastle and will be reunited with his 'big brother' the following week when his side play Man United away from home.
