Manchester United are considering a summer transfer bid for Everton striker Richarlison, according to reports in Brazil.
Richarlison is in his fourth season with the Toffees, having arrived in the Premier League 12 months prior with Watford. In an injury-affected campaign the Brazilian has four goals and three assists with Everton fighting against relegation to the Championship.
And the precarious situation at Goodison Park could offer United a golden chance to land a player they have been tracking for a number of years. The 24-year-old was linked with a move to the Red Devils in the early days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s reign and could yet make the move, despite a new manager arriving in the summer.
Goal Brazil claim that Richarlison, has emerged as a ‘promising and interesting’ name as United go in search of a younger striker in the upcoming window. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick recently claimed that the need for a more youthful option to the likes of 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and out of contract Edinson Cavani was clear.
"This is obvious," Rangnick said earlier this year. "Edinson's contract is running out in the summer, and the club needs the best possible centre forward. This is an obvious one. I think everyone is aware of that."
Richarlison’s Everton contract stretches until 2024, but relegation would all but guarantee his exit, with the Merseysiders facing a major financial headache should they drop to the second tier for the first time in more than 50 years.
The striker recently opened up on his special bond with Everton, who helped him into the Brazilian national side, as well as recently honouring his late grandfather. “Look, I have a very good relationship with the club and the fans,” he told Goal last week.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Richarlison be a good signing for Man Utd? Let us know in the comments
“I know how day to day works. At this moment we are in a difficult phase, we are fighting at the bottom of the table, but I believe in each of my teammates and I’m sure we’ll move up the table.
“My relationship with Everton is that of love. It was at Everton that I arrived at the Seleção too, it was a club that helped a lot in my evolution. Last Saturday, unfortunately, I lost my grandfather, and Everton paid tribute on the big screen. I have a great affection for Everton, as they have for me, and I am very grateful.”
Despite all of his love for the club, when asked about a future, Richarlison refused to rule out the possibility of a move in the near future: "Look, I have two more years on my contract here. It's hard to talk about leaving, because I have great affection for Everton, I have music, I have everything here.
“It's very complicated to talk about leaving. I'm not prepared for this moment, but we never know tomorrow. We have to be aware and prepared for everything. Let's make this season there so that, in the next one, we can see what will happen.”
