Manchester United are set to target a new striker this summer with some very exciting options on the table for Ineos.
Ruben Amorim will have grown weary of watching Rasmus Hojlund struggle up front this season for Manchester United.
Despite improving over the past few weeks, Hojlund has just eight goals in 39 and this has led to rumours that the club will move on this summer and are willing to listen to offers.
Fabrizio Romano claimed last week United will sign a striker, with several options already emerging ahead of the transfer window.
United have been linked with Victor Osimhen from Napoli. Meanwhile, less ready-made options such as Liam Delap has also attracted United’s interest this summer.
However one striker option for United is growing in heat, and he’s just had a sensational performance.
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike scores hat-trick for France U21
The international break is now firmly underway, with Friday night seeing France’s U21 side face England’s U21 outfit.
This game saw United target Hugo Ekitike start up front for the French and he scored an impressive hat-trick.
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Ekitike’s three goals were all clinical strikes which were perfect number nine goals and showcased how clinical he is right now.
He has scored or assisted 32 goals (19 goals for Frankfurt) in 42 games for club and country this season which has sparked a sure transfer race this summer to secure his signature.
United are said to be firmly in the race, with Florian Plettenberg claiming that the Red Devils are ‘very interested’. This is not the first time there has been interest.
Ekitke was compared to Kylian Mbappe by Reims reserve coach Franck Chalencon, as per TNT Sports, who explained that the forward had a goal record as a youngster only matched by two French greats.
“The only ones who did that (at his age) before were Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema. I’m not saying he will do the same career but statistically, the ones who can compare to him are those two.”
Manchester United have long-term interest in Hugo Ekitike
United have wanted Ekitike for a few years now, with initial links emerging in the build-up to the summer Erik ten Hag was appointed.
According to Express in May 2022, United had lodged an enquiry for Ekitike, and it was believed that at the time Reims forward would cost just £12.8m.
This is a bargain price considering Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt are looking to receive £67m in order to part with Ekitike this summer – with the German club known to be willing to hold out for their asking price with the likes of Omar Marmoush showcasing this recently.
Romano has now reported that Ekitike is due to leave Frankfurt this summer with Premier League clubs already making calls for the talented striker, with United sure to be involved.