Manchester United have reportedly made an enquiry for a striker from one of their rivals, as the club in question prepares for the sale of the player.
Manchester United still needs a striker; that much is true, but it does not seem like it’s top of their radar at the moment.
No, all eyes are on Bryan Mbeumo, with the Reds putting all their eggs in the basket of getting a deal done with Brentford before they arrive in the United States next week.
Rasmus Hojlund is no closer to leaving the club despite interest from Juventus and Inter Milan, but there is a feeling even if the Danish forward remains in Manchester, Ruben Amorim would be desperate to sign another striker.
Goals were hard to come by last season, and although Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo, if a deal gets done, would add a significant amount, a finisher in the box is still felt to be needed in order for United to get anywhere near the highest level again.
According to recent reports, enquiries have been made for a striker within the Premier League, who is said to be worth around £60m.
Manchester United eye Nicolas Jackson
United are now reported to have made an inquiry for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea has signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, which has opened the door for Jackson, who has scored 44 goals in his career to date, to depart.
United were linked to Jackson in the past before he signed for the Blues from Villarreal, and if the report from Nabil Djellit is to be believed, the club are set to reignite their interest for the player after the Club World Cup.
Aston Villa, as well as Napoli, who have reportedly pulled out of the race for Darwin Nunez, are also set to rival United for any deal should they make their interest more concrete.
The reported fee is said to be around £60m, with Jackson unlikely to be a starter this season due to the signings of Delap and Pedro, who are likely to alternate between one another as the two number nines at the club.
Jackson would be clever signing
Jackson needs fine-tuning, but he has the raw power and pace as well as the eagerness to run the channels that Amorim likes.
The other option is Ollie Watkins, and while the Englishman is the clear choice in terms of Premier League pedigree, Jackson’s age profile fits into the INEOS remit that bit more at 24.
£60m represents a fair fee for a player who has performed admirably during his two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Many Chelsea fans may feel he is someone the club could have given up on too soon, with the decision to sign two strikers possibly becoming one they will live to regret.
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United are focused on Mbeumo at the moment, but the intrigue will peak if that deal gets wrapped up. Where will United decide to go next, and are they adamant on signing a striker this summer? Time will tell.
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