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Man Utd are on the hunt for a new number nine and have been given the price tag to sign one from a Premier League rival.
Ruben Amorim seems to be going about Manchester United’s squad rebuild with one thing in mind, sort the forward line out and the rest will follow.
The Red Devils have been linked with a host of new No.9s as doubts over Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee continue to present themselves with the numbers suggesting that better is needed.
An entire attack is potentially up for sale with five players handing in transfer notices too, moving them on will free up valuable funds and create the sort of space on the wage bill that makes negotiations for new signings a lot easier. United can’t reset until the clearout has been completed.
Who have Man Utd been linked with to solve No.9 problem?
One area in particular that needs to be addressed is the central striker role. For a club that has consistently had some of the best in the world leading the line, the current crop is miles away from the standard needed to take the Red Devils back to where they want to be.
A full rebuild can’t be completed in one summer though which means that Amorim might have to juggle his budget and looking further down the shopping list could allow him to spread the money that is available to spend.
United have been linked with Hugo Ekitike, but his £85m transfer fee is an immediate turn off, as are the wage demands of Victor Osimhem who looks to be heading back to Galatasary, if the Ngieria striker’s release clause is paid by the Turks.
Man Utd in talks for Christopher Nkunku
According to Fichajes, United are entertaining a move for Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea with a £35m price tag more than acceptable for such a versatile player who still has a lot to offer. His ability to play a number of roles, pace and energy could see him become the perfect fit for Amorim’s system too.
Nothing has been agreed yet, however, both sides are keen to make the deal happened: “Negotiations are in their early stages, but are expected to move quickly as both parties appear interested in reaching an agreement. The key will be finding a financial compromise that satisfies Chelsea without requiring United to make an excessive outlay.
“Ultimately, Nkunku's future is up in the air, but Manchester United's intention is clear: they want to sign him and strengthen their team with a player who, despite not having had much of a presence recently, has the quality to make a difference in the English league. The next stage will be negotiations to see if an agreement can be reached soon.”
It isn’t quite at the stage where United are getting desperate, however, a forward line of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Nkunku has the sort of intensity that Amorim needs if he is to see his philosophy become a reality.
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