Manchester United's transfer business is not over this summer, and scouts have watched an enticing prospect to improve the club's forward line
Kaua Elias
Kaua Elias is drawing interest(Image: Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Manchester United reportedly scouts watched on as Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kaua Elias scored a perfect hat-trick on Monday. The 20-year-old sparked his side's 5-1 thrashing of Kudrivka in Lviv and put in a convincing performance in front of some of Europe's biggest clubs.
United and Arsenal took in Elias' performance, according to The Sun, with an official bid now expected for the Brazilian. Shakhtar are said to rate him at £30million.
The young striker has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 39 appearances in his short time at the club, having joined from Fluminense in 2025. The Premier League sides are set to face competition from AC Milan and Porto.
Rossoneri chiefs are said to be weighing up a bid. Elias' representatives have already received 'concrete signals' from interested parties.
United's scouts were tasked with observing Elias up close after assessments of his recent performances. It is claimed that Old Trafford bosses were told that the Shakhtar ace holds the 'potential to develop into a top-level centre-forward'.
It was also said that Elias would slot into United's system well. He is said to have been described as 'highly compatible with United’s press-heavy, fast-transition system'.
Kaua Elias
Kaua Elias has impressed scouts
View 2 Images
But United will not necessarily have it all their own way, with Arsenal reportedly monitoring the striker for several weeks. Elias is said to be open to a move to an elite European league.
Michael Carrick may have a vacancy in his forward line with only Benjamin Sesko recognised as an out-and-out forward among the senior squad. Joshua Zirkzee is also set to leave the club with interest from Serie A side Juventus.
United moved quickly to improve their midfield with the additions of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans but require further improvements. With weeks of the transfer window remaining, the club have been linked to a third midfielder, a full-back and a striker.
Friday saw goalkeeper Altay Bayindir join Celta Vigo on an initial loan. The La Liga side can make the Turkey international's move permanent for £3.5m.