Manchester United have received a blow in their pursuit of a striker from the Premier League, as they now face competition from two clubs in Serie A looking to bolster their striking options.
Manchester United will be in the market for a striker this summer as they look to ease the burden on Rasmus Højlund, and there has been a plethora of names linked to the side from Manchester in recent months as the window draws closer.
The main target, by all accounts, is Liam Delap, but things can change instantly, and the other names could also be signed alongside the Englishman if Højlund were to leave the club.
One such name has 14 goals in the league for his side this season and represents a more experienced option than the likes of Delap and Benjamin Sesko, who have been heavily linked to Ruben Amorim’s side.
However, the Reds face competition from the Italian league, and failure to secure Champions League football could prove pivotal in the race for the player.
United face competition in race for Mateta
United are now set to receive competition in the race for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta, with AC Milan and Inter Milan both joining the race for the player.
This is according to TeamTalk, who report that the Frenchman is being eyed by both clubs, which will provide some unwanted competition for United if they do decide to pursue him when the time comes.
As mentioned, Delap is the prime target, according to many outlets. The Ipswich striker is open to the move even if United do not secure Champions League football, so it could be the route the club choose to take this summer.
Outside of that, players like Mateta represent experience and goals, something the side currently lacks, and could be an alternative option or one to go alongside a young signing to lead the line for the club.
Mateta is a smart signing for Amorim
Mateta would be a clever signing for United. At 27, he’s young, experienced, and Premier League-proven, and he may also be available for a bit cheaper than some of the other top strikers on the market.
He raises a physical level in the side that would be important due to the clear decline in most of the players in that department, and could be signed alongside Delap if Højlund decides to leave the club.
Mateta may want to remain in the Premier League, which could open up another opportunity for United to sign him. Their position would be boosted if they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final next week.
It’s a win-win signing for Amorim’s Reds and the type of move they would have made in the past under Sir Alex Ferguson.
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