An 89-goal striker has said he is “very excited” about the prospect of joining Manchester United this summer, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United’s search for a striker this summer has not been indiscrete, having failed to sign the early target of Liam Delap, who moved to Chelsea to reunite with his former Manchester City coach, Enzo Maresca.
While United have added Matheus Cunha to Rúben Amorim’s first-team squad, all other additions this summer have been younger players who will either join up with the academy sides or spend time out on loan.
Cunha, who has now taken Marcus Rashford’s No.10 shirt, could play as the centre forward in Amorim’s team, but many feel the Brazilian will play his best football as the left-sided attacking midfielder.
Bryan Mbeumo could partner Cunha as the right-sided attacking midfielder, with Bruno Fernandes dropping deeper, but his transfer from Brentford appears to be stalling due to Joao Pedro’s move to Chelsea and Anthony Elanga’s Newcastle United switch.
Even if Mbeumo completes a move to Old Trafford this summer, a new striker still appears to be a top target for Jason Wilcox and the recruitment team, likley due to the poor goalscoring form of both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season.
Calvert-Lewin wants United transfer
With United looking to spend money on several new players this summer, free transfers could prove to be a viable option for the Red Devils, with many out of contract Premier League players available.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Calvert-Lewin is an option for United and the player is “very open” to a move, should it become a possibility.
“What happened with Calvert-Lewin is that the player has been offered to Manchester United. It’s not that Man United started negotiations for Calvert-Lewin as new striker. The player has been offered as an opportunity on a free transfer, a cheap opportunity for a player who has experience, knows the league and can be helpful for any club.”
“So Man United registered the eventual cost of the deal. It means, obviously, the salary, the commission, the intention of the player, who would be, obviously, very open and excited to join Manchester United eventually in this summer transfer window.
“But at the moment, it’s not yet a concrete negotiation.”
Calvert-Lewin could join as backup option
With Hojlund and Zirkzee both linked to moves away from the club, Calvert-Lewin could join Amorim’s squad and play backup to another signing who joins the club later in the window.
United have been linked with several centre forwards this summer, but Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP looks set for a move to Arsenal and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen could be destined for a permanent move back to Galatasary.
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Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has also been a target for United this summer, but recent reports suggest that Newcastle United are now the front runners to sign the Frenchman.
With Calvert-Lewin available on a free transfer, it could be a sensible choice to sign the 89-goal striker as someone with experience to join the young United squad.
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