Manchester United will look to sign a striker in January after PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo agreed to join Liverpool in a £45million deal.
United have saved £16million on wages with their former highest-earning star, Cristiano Ronaldo, ending his relationship with the club by mutual consent last month, following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. His exit has further depleted his club’s attacking ranks.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are the only remaining senior strikers at the club, with Antony, Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho the options in the wide forward positions. However, United are short in attacking numbers as Ten Hag prefers to play three forward players. With a busy schedule ahead, the Dutchman wants signings.
Ten Hag told reporters during the international break for the World Cup: “We do everything in our power. We are doing research on every opportunity and we do everything we can if that opportunity is there to contract them.”
It has been claimed that Milan striker Rafael Leao is on Ten Hag’s radar, having netted 14 goals for Milan last season and already chalking up seven strikes in 20 appearances this campaign. The 23-year-old netted in Portugal’s World Cup victory over Ghana and in their 6-1 Round of 16 victory over Switzerland.
Leao had emerged as an alternative for United to signing Gakpo although his price tag in the January transfer window may make any deal complicated. The Portuguese international is involved in Milan’s push to defend their Serie A title and is due to be play in the Champions League Round of 16 against Tottenham.
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It has also been noted by The Athletic that Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos is another alternative for United this month. Ramos, 21, scored a hat-trick for Portugal in their World Cup Round of 16 clash this month after making his first start for his nation after Cristiano Ronaldo was surprisingly dropped for the game.
The striker has been starring for Benfica this campaign with 14 goals in all competitions, including netting five times in the Champions League group stages. Manchester United have reportedly made contact with the representatives at the behest of boss Ten Hag.
As with any possible incoming at Old Trafford in January, the price tag is likely to be a factor as United look to find value in the market. With the club’s ongoing uncertainty over their ownership situation as the Glazer family consider a sale – their business in the transfer market may be complicated.
