Man Utd one of two Premier League clubs hoping to sign Monaco hitman Wissam Ben Yedder after 32-goal season

Manchester United are part of a two-club race to sign Monaco captain Wissam Ben Yedder, according to a report.

The centre-forward was in brilliant form last season, notching 32 goals in 52 outings. That includes 25 strikes in Ligue 1 as Monaco finished third, behind Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille.

Ben Yedder is now 31 years old, but is still making a big impact in France. He also featured in the Europa League last term, although he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet in seven matches.

Ben Yedder was linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal back in April 2020. And the Red Devils are supposedly back in the frame.

According to French outlet Media Foot, the attacker is wanted by United this summer.

Ben Yedder’s top season with Monaco has clearly made a big impression on United chiefs.

And with Cristiano Ronaldo asking to leave Old Trafford, Ben Yedder is one option to replace the Portuguese up front.

United are not the only English team to hold an interest. Media Foot state Wolves also like the look of the Frenchman and could make a move.

Wissam Ben Yedder is talented, but move unlikely

Despite Ben Yedder having a great goalscoring record, there are a couple reasons why a move is unlikely.

Firstly, Monaco reportedly want around £40million. United are unlikely to pay this sum as they are prioritising deals for Frenkie de Jong, Tyrell Malacia and potentially Lisandro Martinez.

Wolves, meanwhile, already have Raul Jimenez, Hwang Hee-chan and Fabio Silva available in attack. So they surely won’t be spending £40m to bring in another option.

Another factor to consider is Ben Yedder’s age. At 31, he doesn’t represent a long-term option for United or Wolves.

United have faced criticism in recent months for relying on Ronaldo, who is 37. So bringing in another ageing striker certainly wouldn’t go down well.

For Wolves, Jimenez is 31 – so there is no need to bring in a goalscorer of the same age. Hwang is 26, while Silva is only 19, so Wanderers’ striker succession plan is already in place.

Ben Yedder would likely score goals if he came to the Prem. But that ship sailed a few years ago.

Meanwhile, Malacia has spoken about Ronaldo and Mo Salah as his United switch nears completion.