Manchester United remain interested in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as they look to bolster the frontline at Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United are urgently looking to strengthen their attacking options this summer following a disappointing season in front of goal.
Ruben Amorim has already made his first moves in the transfer market by bringing in Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon, while the club also remain in talks with Brentford over a potential deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
Securing a proven number nine remains a top priority, with many fans hoping for a marquee signing like Victor Osimhen or possibly Viktor Gyökeres. However, those moves now appear unlikely.
Instead, United are reportedly exploring other options and Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt is one of them, with a potential transfer fee in the region of £60 million being discussed.
United receive significant Ekitike update from Fabrizio Romano
Noise around Ekitike has quietened down in recent days after he emerged as a target a couple of weeks ago. A large transfer fee and other clubs interested make any deal difficult and one that United could only do after completing some sales.
A significant update has come from Fabrizio Romano in recent hours on the 23-year-old, with the Italian journalist noting that United’s rivals Liverpool have a ‘strong interest’ in the player.
But it was importantly added that there is interest from other Premier League clubs and that Ekitike’s most likely destination is somewhere in England.
“His future remains open, but from what I am hearing the Premier League still remains the most likely destination for a striker who did fantastically last season,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“And I would maintain Liverpool as one of the options, because they have always had a strong interest in his signing. Let’s see what happens now with the timings, because Nunez’s exit will be important to understand how Liverpool move forward with Ekitike and more options up front.
“There is still interest from more English clubs and I am told the race remains quite open. But the story is not yet done and I am sure we will be back in the next weeks to discuss Ekitike and a move to the Premier League.”
United not in powerful position for Ekitike deal
United are not in a powerful position in terms of securing a deal for Ekitike, and their striker signing will probably take at least another few weeks to come in since they are waiting for player sales.
The Frankfurt forward does appear to be one of the best options on the market and if he is still available by the time players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho depart, then United could make a move.
Ekitike was a fan of the club growing up – just like Cunha and Mbeumo – which means United could have an upper hand in negotiations, while also being able to guarantee him a place in the lineup.
There have also been cheaper options considered at Old Trafford in recent days and the decision-makers will have to assess the best course of action for the no.9 position very soon.
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