Juventus looking to stun Man Utd with deal for Mexican goal machine

Raul Jimenez Wolves TEAMtalk

Juventus have followed Manchester United’s suit in enquiring about the availability of Wolves striker Raul Jimenez, according to reports.

Jimenez moved to Molineux in the summer of 2018 from Benfica, initially on a loan deal that was turned into a permanent contract towards the end of the Mexico international’s impressive debut season in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old has kicked on this term, with his 22 goals and 10 assists making him arguably the club’s most important player going forward.

Such form has seen him linked with a move to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, who are believed to be looking for attacking reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.

According to The Times, Juventus have now joined the race as manager Maurizio Sarri looks to replace Gonzalo Higuain.

Higuain is the third-highest earner at the Serie A club behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Matthijs de Ligt, but with only five goals to his name this term, Sarri reportedly believes he can get a more productive striker in Jimenez on cheaper wages.

Wolves are believed to be willing to let Jimenez go for a “substantial profit” given his form since his arrival in the Premier League.

The report adds that United will allow Odion Ighalo to return to parent club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua when his loan deal expires.

 

Additionally, with Marcus Rashford preferring to play off the left wing, Solskjaer has had to rely on Anthony Martial going forward this season and wants Jimenez – or another strike target – to bolster his options.

Solskjaer is also looking to add a winger to his squad, with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho said to be his top target in that area.

United’s lack of options down the middle of attack were laid bare when Rashford suffered a double stress fracture in his back in January.

In other news, United hero Wayne Rooney has criticised the club’s decision to sack Louis van Gaal at the end of the 2015/16 season.

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