Hugo Ekitike remains a key target for Liverpoolplaceholder image
Hugo Ekitike remains a key target for Liverpool | Getty Images
Liverpool and Man United have both been linked to signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer.
Manchester United are desperate to add more goals this summer, with a number nine one of the biggest priority targets. The Red Devils want to replace Rasmus Hojlund, who managed to score just four goals in the Premier League last year.
Speaking of the Magpies, they recently saw a £70m bid rejected for Ekitike, and want to land him ahead of Liverpool and Man United. Liverpool have now added a fellow Man United target to their list of Isak alternatives this summer.
Liverpool enquire about Ollie Watkins
One of Man United’s main striker targets this summer has been Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, who is set to cost around £50m and upwards this summer, if he is to leave Villa Park. The England international was also subject to a £40m bid from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Liverpool have enquired about the possibility of signing Watkins this summer as one of six striker alternatives to Alexander Isak, as Newcastle maintain that he is not for sale. It means that United’s chances of signing Watkins could be considerably damaged, as the 29-year-old would surely prefer a move to the reigning Premier League champions, who can also offer Champions League football.
This would come as a blow for United, who see Watkins as their first-choice striker, after a season where the English number nine scored 16 goals in the Premier League. Former United star Roy Keane said on Sky Sports at the end of the season, that the 29-year-old is very capable of playing for a top team.
He said: “He could play for one of the top teams… that’s a compliment to him… He has a great shape to him. His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League. He's having an amazing season.”
Which striker could Man United sign instead?
If Liverpool were to swoop in and sign Watkins, United would have to consider other targets. A much more affordable option would be Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, who could become a free agent, as the Italian club is considering cutting him to avoid paying his wages. The Serbian international scored 15 goals for Juventus last year.
Furthermore, United are also interested in Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, who did have a £45m release clause until earlier in the week. It isn’t clear as to how much Fiorentina will now demand, but Kean’s ability can’t be doubted. He was the second-top scorer in the Serie A last year, scoring 19 goals across the season.
Kean is more of a pacey striker who likes to get in behind opposing defences, whereas Vlahovic is a target man. Amorim’s choice would likely depend upon what style of football he wants to play, and which striker suits his style the best.
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