Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd launch move for ‘phenomenal’ Prem striker with huge double deal to force two forwards out

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during a training session at the Aon Training Complex, Greater Manchester

Erik ten Hag taking Manchester United training

Man Utd have taken the first steps towards signing a Premier League striker who’s making multiple pundits go weak at the knees, and a potential double arrival will spell the end for a senior Old Trafford pair, per reports.

The primary focus of Manchester United this summer is the signing of a new centre-forward. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Tottenham’s Harry Kane are believed to be the Red Devils’ two favoured targets.

A cluster of high class back-up options have been linked by various outlets. Among them is Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, though Liverpool might be about to torpedo United’s plans by signing the Frenchman to replace Roberto Firmino.

In any case, United’s gaze will fall upon Kane and Osimhen first. But per Football Insider, the arrivals at centre-forward might not stop at just one.

Indeed, the online outlet report Man Utd are ‘in the hunt’ to sign Brighton phenom, Evan Ferguson. The outlet are keen to stress a move could come as well as – not instead of – a deal for Kane.

Ferguson, 18, has burst onto the scene this year and despite his tender age, has bagged seven goals and three assists in 16 matches this term.

Ferguson has already earned three senior caps for the Irish national side and scored his maiden goal for his country in the 3-2 friendly victory over Latvia on Wednesday.

FI don’t speculate as to how much Ferguson might cost, though that should not come as a surprise right now.

Indeed, the 6ft 2in centre-forward’s value is increasing with each impressive display he puts in week after week. What he’s valued at in March could quickly pale in comparison to his value in June.

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MAN UTD PAIR IN JEOPARDY

Man Utd have taken the first steps towards bringing Ferguson to Old Trafford through scouting the player. FI add the ultimate aim is to lure him away from the AMEX and a move ‘this summer’ is possible.

Brighton have proven tough negotiators in the past, most notably when denying both Chelsea and Arsenal over Moises Caicedo in January.

However, the Seagulls’ model relies on selling players they’ve polished up for big sums and Ferguson could be the next player on their conveyor belt.

In the event United are able to lure Ferguson and a more seasoned striker to Manchester, FI note Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst’s time at Old Trafford may be up.

Weghorst’s loan deal from Burnley does not contain an option to buy anyway. The Dutchman has voiced his desire to make the move permanent at season’s end, though United would have no need to forge a deal from scratch if signing two brand new – and far more effective – centre-forwards.

Martial, meanwhile, is understood to have been put up for sale amid persistent injury issues. Both the Manchester Evening News and talkSPORT are among those to claim Martial is on the chopping block this summer.

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BBC Pundits lose their minds over Evan Ferguson

Ferguson’s incredible displays for someone so young this season have caught the eye of the pundits as well as Man Utd.

Indeed, in the aftermath of Brighton’s 5-0 thumping of Grimsby Town in the FA Cup – in which Ferguson scored twice – BBC duo, Danny Murphy and Glenn Murray, were wowed by the Irishman’s display.

“This kid is a superstar, honestly,” said former Liverpool midfielder Murphy (via Pundit Arena).

“He’s got great feet, technical ability. He’s calm, powerful and plays the role really well. You don’t see him out wide, he stays central and is always a target.

“I can’t see a weakness in his game at the moment. For 18 years old, the maturity he shows in his game is phenomenal.”

Murray – formerly of Brighton – was equally impressed by Ferguson, and drew special attention to the calmness and composure he showed in front of goal.

Murray said: “I think it was the manner in which he scored those goals, he was so composed.

“As a young lad just coming into the first team, you can snatch at those chances but he just relaxes in that moment – and that is something that you can’t teach.

“He’s got a good stature and I think there’s big things in the future for him.”