Manchester United are showing interest in signing Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The Red Devils are preparing for a busy transfer window, and they have already secured an agreement for a new midfielder.
United have a verbal deal in place with Atalanta for Ederson, and the Brazilian is expected to join the club after the World Cup.
Sky Sports now reveal that the Red Devils are showing interest in Fernandez-Pardo, who was a surprise selection in Belgium’s World Cup squad.
The 21-year-old, who can play up front or on the wings, could be signed if Joshua Zirkzee were to head for the exit door this summer.
United could sign Fernandez-Pardo for the right price
The Red Devils currently have Benjamin Sesko as their regular striker upfront.
Manager Michael Carrick has preferred to play Bryan Mbeumo as a makeshift number nine when Sesko has been injured or left out.
Zirkzee rarely got a regular run in the starting XI, and there is a possibility he could move on for more playing time next season.
This could open the door for United to land Fernandez-Pardo, who notched up eight goals and seven assists in all competitions for Lille last term.
The Belgian is predominantly a centre-forward but has been successful as a left winger too, due to his explosive pace and relatively strong physique.
United are eyeing another solution alongside Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left wing, and Fernandez-Pardo would be a good backup.
The big stumbling block could be the price tag. The striker is valued at £26 million by Transfermarkt, but Lille are looking for an eye-watering £60m.
The Red Devils are unlikely to make such a huge outlay, and Lille will have to lower their demands. A deal could be done for £40m, including add-ons.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com