A dejected Ruben Amorim at the Europa League final | Getty ImagesA dejected Ruben Amorim at the Europa League final | Getty Images
A dejected Ruben Amorim at the Europa League final | Getty Images | Getty Images
Man United look to have identified a new striker target who has also been linked to Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United
Manchester United preparing bid for Hugo Ekitike
According to reports Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike has begun to generate some serious interest in the Premier League after a season where he scored 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games. The Frenchman is a very tall, yet agile striker, who can be a threat both as a target man, and running in-behind the defence. Seeing as the Red Devils are looking for a striker who can be more impactful than Hojlund, Ekitike has emerged as a target for Amorim’s side.
According to Caught Offside, United are in advanced stages of planning around a formal bid for the Frenchman. The report also says that Arsenal have also made contact with Ekitike’s camp as they look to finally sign a number nine.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United are also said to be interested in the striker, meaning that Frankfurt could demand a hefty fee. The report says that the 22-year-old is expected to cost around £84m, however, Premier League clubs are expected to start the bidding at £50.3m. Ekitike is a much pricier option compared to Delap, who has also been in talks with Chelsea and Newcastle. The Ipswich striker has a £30m release clause in his contract, so United could opt for him if they didn’t want to cough up the asking price of £84m for Ekitike.
Rasmus Hojlund could be sold if Man United need to fund Hugo Ekitike deal
If United do opt for Ekitike this summer, they will need to find the transfer budget to be able to fund the deal. Some of that may have to come from any sale of Hojlund, who has struggled for United this season. Hojlund has scored four goals in 32 Premier League games this season, which means his market value has decreased, but as he is just 22 years-old, he still has a lot of potential, which could keep his price fairly high.
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