The France under-21 international has also been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea. However, neither of those clubs has spoken to his management yet, and they seem to be prioritising other transfers with the summer window now back open.
United have already been given the incentive to pursue a deal for Ekitike, though. Last December, her dropped a major hint that his preference was a switch to Manchester.
Speaking to French media outlet RTL, he was asked which club he favoured most in English football, and responded: “My favourite club as a child was Manchester United. I’ve always admired them.”
Ekitike scored 22 times for Frankfurt last season. He also caught the eye in the Europa League quarter-final against eventual champions Tottenham, striking from long range in the first leg.
The German club are likely to demand a high fee for the youngster, though, having already lost Omar Marmoush midway through last season. The Egyptian forward switched to Manchester City in a deal worth around £59m last January, by which time he had already scored 20 times for his club in 2024/25.
United’s pursuit of Ekitike has increased speculation that Rasmus Hojlund will leave this summer. The Dane is currently being linked with a return to Serie A with Inter Milan.