Manchester United are keen on signing an “exceptional” attacking midfielder who is now looking likely to leave his club this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd eyeing new attacking talent amid Hojlund struggles
It would be fair to say Rasmus Hojlund isn’t enjoying the best of seasons, with the Dane scoring just three goals in the Premier League, while fellow striker Joshua Zirkzee hasn’t exactly been much help either.
As such, a new striker is being targeted ahead of the summer transfer window, with an audacious move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak being considered, although the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Samu Aghehowa may be more reasonable targets.
Not only is a new striker on Ruben Amorim’s shortlist, but the manager is also keen to bring in new attacking midfielders, having perhaps overrelied on captain Bruno Fernandes this season.
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The Red Devils have made contact over a move for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who has 18 assists to his name already this season, while they have also set their sights on Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard as a potential option.
In a new report for GiveMeSport, Romano has now detailed that Man United are also keen on signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with there being a concrete chance the attacking midfielder leaves the German club this summer.
Simons is open to an exit at the end of the season, and there is a feeling his price tag could be between £58m – £62m, amid interest from a whole host of Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen on the £97,000-a-week Dutchman, and there is seemingly a good chance a move to England could be on the cards, with the Premier League said to be one of the top destinations in the attacking midfielder’s mind.
“Exceptional” Simons could be United’s next Bruno
Successful signings have been few and far between in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, but Fernandes hit the ground running right from the off, and the Portugal international has been very impressive this season, with 16 goals and 16 assists in all competitions.
However, the 30-year-old can’t be expected to do it all by himself, and with Real Madrid eyeing a move for the United talisman, the need to bring in another creative attacking midfielder this summer may be exacerbated.
Simons’ performances in Germany indicate he could well fit the bill, having racked up a remarkable eight goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, while he already has seven goals to his name this term.
Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has also given the 21-year-old very high praise, saying: “I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level. He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”
Simons could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, particularly as many would agree the squad needs a bit more of that “mentality and character”. However, it could be very difficult to win the race for his signature if they don’t have Champions League football on offer next season, given the level of interest in his signature.
