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Manchester United are plotting a move to bring in a new striker to the club, however, Barcelona are looking to intervene.
United’s attack has been a concern throughout the season. Whilst the Red Devils have been able to create plenty of opportunities, their finishing has been lacking.
Joshua Zirkzee was brought in over the summer to take the pressure off of solo striker Rasmus Hojlund. However, this doesn’t appear to have gone to plan. Zirkzee has grabbed a goal and two assists in 721 minutes of game time across 18 matches. This works out at around 40 minutes per appearance.
However, his lack of game time is a reflection of Erik ten Hag’s disinterest in signing the star. The Dutch striker was reportedly signed against ten Hag’s wishes, and to make matters worse, arrived at Carrington unfit and out of shape.
Now, United are once more looking for a striker to support convert chances into goals. Zirkzee looks likely to leave on loan in January with Juventus planning a permanent move in the summer.
Whilst Ruben Amorim has put Marcus Rashford back to his former role of striker, the club will need more than just Rashford and Hojlund for depth.
The Red Devils have been eyeing up targets across Europe including Bundesliga stars Victor Boniface and Omar Marmoush, Napoli loanee Victor Osimhen, and much closer to home, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.
However, Barcelona are now planning a move for United’s other key target, Viktor Gyokeres.
Manchester United, Barcelona and Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres has risen to fame under the leadership of Amorim, so, understandably, a reunion at Old Trafford could be on the cards.
However, Amorim swore against moving for one of his Sporting stars this January out of respect for his Portuguese club.
Whilst this is a show of goodwill and character by Amorim, United could be set to miss out on an incredible opportunity because of it.
The Spanish outlet Sport has reported that Barcelona are looking at Gyokeres as Robert Lewandowski’s replacement given his future at the LaLiga giants is unclear.
Barca are planning a £58 million move for the Swedish striker, with Gyokeres remaining at Sporting until 2026 when Lewandowski’s contract runs out.
It’s understood that Sporting would be open to this value, despite his release clause being £83 million.
However, Barcelona are also in competition with Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG who are all interested in the striker.
Fortunately, the fact United have Amorim is a massive selling point that could outweigh all other bids given that Gyokeres chose Sporting specifically for Ruben Amorim.
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