Finding a suitable centre-forward to ease the goalscoring burden on Rasmus Hojlund is a non-negotiable for INEOS this summer.
Since the window opened on June 14, Manchester United have found themselves linked with a host of players, primarily centre-halves.
In terms of a forward, Joshua Zirkzee is the name most commonly being mentioned in reports as of late, which is largely due to his release clause of £34 million – relatively low given that they forked out an initial £64m for Hojlund last year.
It’s thought that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. would most prefer to welcome signings that are below the age of 24, meaning the 23-year-old slots straight into that bracket. However, adding an experienced No.9 while Hojlund continues his transition to the Premier League would only aid his development, especially as he’s currently the only senior out-and-out striker in the squad.
As such, The Mirror claims that United are mulling over a move for AS Roma’s Paulo Dybala – and it isn’t the first time they’ve done so; the World Cup winner was targeted by the Reds numerous times during his time with Juventus.
Now confirmed to be staying at Old Trafford long-term, Erik ten Hag is reportedly ‘driving’ the club’s interest in the 30-year-old.
Read more: United ace’s brother comically responds to transfer speculation by saying what all fans are thinking
Dybala could swap Italy for England at some stage in his career
After spending 12 years of his senior career in Serie A, scoring 123 goals in the process, Dybala has previously hinted that he could be tempted to embark on a new venture elsewhere in Europe.
“Italy has given me everything,” he confessed. “It’d be hard to leave, but, of course, you always have the curiosity, and [you] wonder how you’d so in leagues as good as La Liga and the Premier League, where there are great teams and great players.”
It’s thought that he will hold talks with Roma this summer over his contract, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025. His current terms contain two release clauses: €12m (£10m) for English clubs to sign him and an increased €20m (£16m) for Italian sides.
