Manchester United have now struck an agreement to sign a “world-class” striker in the summer, according to a report.
Red Devils keen on a striker
It would be fair to say there are a number of positions Man United will need to strengthen if they are to compete for the biggest honours once again, and Rasmus Hojlund’s performances this season indicate a new striker will be required.
The Dane has just two goals to his name in the Premier League, and the alternative option hasn’t performed much better either, with Joshua Zirkzee finding the back of the net three times in the top flight since joining from Bologna in the summer.
As such, it is little wonder Ruben Amorim is pursuing a new striker, and a number of targets have been identified, with a recent report revealing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is of interest, alongside Atalanta marksman Mateo Retegui.
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Amorim is starting to lose patience with Hojlund, and the club already have a replacement in mind.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is a player well-known to Amorim from his time with the Portuguese club, and the striker has become a target for a number of top clubs as a result of his performances in the Liga Portugal.
However, a report from Spain has now claimed Man United have already struck a deal to sign Gyokeres in the summer, having identified the need to improve their goal-scoring output, given their struggles this term.
The Swedish forward has a €100m (£83m) release clause in his contract, but the Portuguese side have shown a willingness to come down to a fee of around €70m (£58m).
The report states United have been the most persistent of any potential suitor, and they now stand in line to reap the rewards in the summer, although it is not clear which fee they have settled on.
Gyokeres could be a “world-class” signing
In truth, the idea that a deal has already been agreed raises skepticism, with no other sources reporting an agreement has been struck for the 26-year-old to move to Old Trafford.
United are almost certain to miss out on Champions League football once again this season, which means the move may not be the most attractive proposition for a striker who appears to be entering his prime.
However, if the Red Devils are able to get a deal done, there are clear signs he would be a real upgrade in attack, having been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media.
The Sporting star has scored 22 goals in 20 Liga Portugal matches this season, while he has also proven himself in the Champions League, scoring six in eight games in Europe’s elite competition.
Hojlund is still only 22-years-old and has plenty of time to improve, but it is clear United need to bring in a ready-made top striker if they are going to get back to where they should be, and Gyokeres could be the perfect addition.