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Manchester United have been steadily picking themselves up under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took charge in December 2018. They still have a shot at silverware this season as they face Villarreal in the Europa League final next week.
As we inch closer to the end of the 2020/21 season, the Norwegian boss has already begun his hunt in the transfer market to bolster his ranks for the upcoming campaign.
Manchester United still in the race to sign a new striker
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to rule out the possibility of Manchester United signing a new striker this summer. This is despite Edinson Cavani agreeing to a one-year contract extension earlier this month. The contract will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of next season.
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“We're looking to strengthen the squad of course. There are many, many, many things you have to consider when you put a squad together,” said Solskjaer after United's 1-1 draw against Fulham.
“I'm not saying that if Edi stays that means someone else in a forward position won't come in.”
“No, of course I can't [rule out signing a striker]. Yes, Edinson signed but how many good strikers have we had at this club and I can't say we're not signing a striker."
So without further ado, let's take a look at 5 players Manchester United could possibly sign this summer.
#5 Danny Ings
Quite a bit of a buzzkill for Manchester United fans who were anticipating the signing of Harry Kane after his bombshell interview with Gary Neville - signaling he might be looking for pastures new, but a shrewd move nevertheless.
The Telegraph have confirmed that United are in the market for the Southampton striker. The former Liverpool star, who is only 28 years old, has been in great form, having racked up 34 goals in the past two seasons.
The good part about this deal is that Manchester United do not have to go all out to bring in a new striker. By landing Ings, they will still have plenty left to splurge on the remaining targets on this list.
#4 Kamaldeen Sulemana
Kamaldeen Sulemana, who plies his trade for FC Nordjaelland, has been on Manchester United's radar for quite some time, or at least that is what the English club's scout Tommy Nielsen told Danish newspaper Bold:
“We have followed him for a very long time, and we consider him the greatest talent in Scandinavia. But I cannot say anything about whether we will make a bid or not.”
Football Insider now claim that The Red Devils have had talks with the Danish club and are willing to leapfrog Ajax to acquire the services of Sulemana.
#3 Pau Torres
As Manchester United prepare for their upcoming clash against Villarreal on 26 May, the Europa League trophy will not be the only thing they will be eyeing. The Premier League club will also be keeping close tabs on towering centre-back Pau Torres.
Solskjaer is scouting the transfer market for a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire in the rearguard. Consequently, Torres has recently emerged as one of Manchester United's top targets.
Reportedly, the Spain international has a release clause of €60 million in his contract with Villarreal that keeps him at the club until 2024. The 24-year-old has also turned heads of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Napoli.
#2 Jadon Sancho
Manchester United's interest in Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho is no longer news. The Red Devils were strongly contending to land the 21-year-old last summer as well, but failed to cough up the £108 million asking price.
They are back in the race this year and things sure have taken a turn for the better. It is believed that BVB have agreed to lower down their end of the bargain and are willing to accept a fee in the area of £75 million. Additionally, Sancho is looking to return to the Premier League having spent four years in Germany.
The only sticking point that remains are Manchester United's competitors in the market. The English winger, who is a boyhood Chelsea fan, is also being courted by Thomas Tuchel and The Blues are tabling a £80 million bid to secure his signature.
#1 Raphael Varane
Manchester United have long been linked with Real Madrid's Raphael Varane. The France international's future in the Spanish capital is up in the air with his contract running out next summer.
It is rumored that the 28-year-old is unhappy at Madrid owing to a discrepancy between his and his colleague's wages. Real Madrid's forthright president Florentino Perez has also spoken on the issue.
“I’m happy of our team. We have a great defence, a great midfield, but yes we have to do something in the attack."
“[Varane?] If players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave.”
As per reports, Los Blancos understand that Varane will not be open to a contract extension as he has a better offer on the table. Though it remains to be seen if that offer is from Manchester United.
Also Read: 4 possible destinations for Cristiano Ronaldo
