Fabrizio Romano has revealed Manchester United’s alternative striker target that is their “dream” after missing out on Liam Delap.
In recent days, it has been revealed that Manchester United target Liam Delap will be heading to Stamford Bridge next season, reuniting with his former coach at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca.
Rúben Amorim reportedly has a striker signing at the top of his transfer list, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee both struggling to perform when playing as the centre forward since Erik ten Hag left the club.
Chido Obi has shown promise in his rare opportunities in the United first team, even scoring two goals against Hong Kong on the last game of the post-season tour. However, a new signing up front will be crucial if the Red Devils are to improve next season.
While Delap appeared to be the main target, United have pursued other centre forward signings, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen appearing to be a serious consideration in a swap deal for Hojlund or Alejandro Garnacho.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has described it as “the dream” transfer for Amorim this summer.
Gyokeres is still a possibility for United
Despite missing out on the Champions League, due to losing the Europa League final, Jason Wilcox is still looking to bring in several new players to improve Amorim’s side, with a deal for Matheus Cunha already completed.
Completing more deals as expensive as Cunha will be difficult, but the possible outgoings of Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho could fund at least one more big-money signing, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres at the top of United’s list.
Writing in his latest newsletter for GiveMeSport, Romano has confirmed that Gyökeres is “the dream” signing for the Red Devils. “There are several candidates, but Manchester United will make a decision on their priority target soon.
“The dream has always been Viktor Gyökeres, but it will be difficult without Champions League qualification.”
In his two seasons in Portugal, Gyökeres has made 102 appearances for Sporting, including 68 under Amorim, and scored 97 goals and providing 26 assists. 66 of these goals came under the Portuguese boss.
Højlund should be sent on loan this summer
With a new striker likely to be signed sooner rather than later, Højlund should be sent on loan so he can continue his development in an environment with less pressure.
The new centre forward, depending on who United get over the line, will probably start the season as the first-choice No. 9.
If the Red Devils keep Hojlund at Old Trafford, they will have the Danish striker competing for minutes with the new signing, Zirkzee and Obi, with Gabriele Biancheri and Ethan Wheatley also pushing for first-team involvement.
A loan deal for the former Atalanta striker could also see Hojlund’s market value increase, allowing United to raise a larger transfer fee if they do choose to sell the out-of-form centre forward.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.