Manchester United have ‘nowhere near enough’ money to sign a new striker after agreeing a deal to sign Mason Mount as Erik ten Hag is ‘left with just £65m’ to find a new talisman...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Manchester United may face the impossible task of trying to buy a top-quality striker with just £65m remaining in their budget, according to a new report.
The Red Devils are close to finalising a £55m move for Chelsea’s Mason Mount, with the deal including a further £5m in add-ons.
However, the club’s budget is tight, especially in the shadow of an ongoing sale process, and it is thought that finite expenses could come back to haunt Man United as they look to fix their problems up front.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United have just £65million to spend on a striker. The outlet claim that ‘is nowhere near enough’ to appease boss Erik ten Hag.
He noted that while the deal between Man United and Chelsea for Mount was brief in comparison to some of last summer’s drawn out deals, there is now a short window open to acquire new talent before the start of the Premier League season.
Harry Kane was thought to be Erik ten Hag’s preferred target up front, although there is no way that Tottenham Hotspur would even consider an offer that low, with a valuation of £100m closer to expectations.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been a popular target for many clubs – but the Serie A champions have put a £150m price tag on their striker, far beyond Man United’s ‘tight’ budget.
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani is also tipped to move this summer, and was thought to be on Man United’s radar, but the German side value the Frenchman at £85m.
And Rasmus Hojlund, another name strongly linked to Old Trafford this summer, has an £86m price tag attached following a strong season with Italian side Atalanta.
While ten Hag’s side could raise more money by selling assets, there is little indication of any impending sales likely to significantly boost Man United’s coffers.
They may hope to bank up to £30m by selling Anthony Martial, who has failed to live up to expectations in the No 9 role, scoring just 17 goals in the last three seasons.
Manchester United have three friendlies in North America against Arsenal, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, and the side would want a striker to be part of those plans so they have time to settle with the rest of the squad ahead of competitive fixtures.
Last year, Man United only signed Casemiro after their season had got off to the worst possible start, while Anthony’s acquisition from Ajax only came through on deadline day.
Man United are also having to deal with their goalkeeper situation as well, with David de Gea set to leave at the end of his contract, and Dean Henderson likely to be sold to Nottingham Forest.
Ten Hag even moved to block Tom Heaton’s move to Luton Town in a bid to ensure that the club retain the services of fit senior goalkeepers until a replacement can be found.
