Solskjaer lines up ambitious summer move for €140m international striker

Maxi Gomez TEAMtalk

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has some ambitious summer plans and signing Uruguay forward Maxi Gomez is on his agenda.

In need of attacking reinforcements following Marcus Rashford’s injury, Manchester United were said to be looking for a new forward this January.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER via Sport Witness claim that United have drawn up a “list of priorities” as he looks to reshape his squad.

And while Edinson Cavani and Islam Slimani have been mentioned as potential targets, the latest report claims Solskjaer’s attention has been drawn to Valencia’s Uruguayan forward Gomez.

United scouts have been to watch numerous Valencia games this season, the latest of which was Los Che’s impressive 2-0 win over Barcelona, in which Gomez missed a penalty, but scored both goals.

West Ham almost pipped Valencia to the signing of Gomez last summer, but the 23-year-old finally signed for £13m for the LaLiga side with Santi Mina going the other way.

Valencia slapped a release clause of €140m in his contract, and although he is unlikely to cost that much he has hit eight goals in the league in 18 appearances.

Luis Suarez is also reported to have recommended Gomezwho name-checked Liverpool in May, to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. While Aston Villa scout Juanfran, who only arrived at Villa Park in December, recently told Marca of his admiration for Gomez.

 

 

“He is a reference point, he is always well position and attentive to the second balls. Above all, what is asked of a striker are goals,” said the former Spain international, who had five years at Celta.

“That (goalscoring record) is why he interests the Premier League clubs.”

Solskjaer hinted at his press conference on Tuesday that United may have to wait until the summer to sign the players he wants.

“We’ve got players here we’re working hard to get back as well and if there is something out there, then the club are pursuing that and looking at it,” the United boss said.

“Of course it is a difficult window. It always has been. I can’t remember how many good ones we’ve brought in, good deals that we’ve brought in in January.

“Henrik (Larsson) was good, Nemanja (Vidic) and Patrice (Evra) were two good ones.”

When Sanchez was mentioned, Solskjaer said: “It’s very hard because the clubs don’t want to lose their best players. Alexis will come back in the summer and prove youse all wrong.”

READ MORE: Solskjaer blocks Old Trafford exit for injured Man Utd man