Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and new football director John Murtough have reportedly settled on Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland as their number one summer striker target.
Haaland is the most talked about number nine in world football right now and there are few more desirable options than the 20-year-old if United are to bolster their attacking options.
Anthony Martial has failed to consolidate his position as United’s leading striker in a below-par season and the long-term future of Edinson Cavani is unclear with the veteran Uruguayan goalscorer’s contract set to expire in the summer.
United have still not properly replaced Romelu Lukaku with an elite centre forward since the Belgian’s departure two years ago.
But according to the Manchester Evening News, Solskjaer and new football director Murtough, appointed internally last week, have both agreed that prized Haaland should be the priority target.
The MEN reports that the Norwegian striker has a €75m release clause in his contract next season but Dortmund could be forced to sell earlier to improve their financial situation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is added that despite the fact Haaland’s agent is the notoriously disruptive Mino Raiola, the 20-year-old’s ability and Solskjaer’s admiration for him means the deal could still take place.
Haaland has 19 goals in 19 Bundesliga starts this season and his goal record since choosing Dortmund over United in January 2020 has been quite remarkable.
United will be aware that Haaland is a generational talent and should push for his services to solve their striker problems.
But there will also be an acknowledgement that he will be one of the most coveted players in world football and most elite European clubs will be chasing him this summer.
