Manchester United fans will be expecting a new striker to arrive this summer, with France international Randal Kolo Muani emerging as an alternative to Harry Kane.
Reports state that the France international, who played in the World Cup final defeat to Argentina, has emerged as a potential target for United. However, with the striker market expected to be a fierce one this summer, the 24-year-old's club Eintracht Frankfurt have told potential suitors that any deal could cost in excess of €90million (£78m), which comes as a blow to Erik ten Hag.
Having only joined the Bundesliga club last summer, the former Nantes frontman has emerged as an exciting talent this season, with 13 goals in 28 games. These goals have seen him emerge as a force at international level as well, with seven France caps to his name since the move.
Kolo Muani is a man in demand, with TeamTalk reporting comments from Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Axel Hallmann which reveal their desire to hold onto the player. Hallmann explained: "Kolo Muani? When I look at the international market, I imagine a different number than €90m – more than this. He has a long-term deal. My absolutely ideal scenario would be that he stays with Eintracht."
The player is said to have been eyed by a number of big name clubs, with the same report claiming that United, Napoli, Barcelona, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, PSG and Bayern are all interested in him This summer's market is set to be dominated by big clubs seeking strikers, with Chelsea also expected to pursue a deal for a new forward.
This is a strategy which has been confirmed by United Ten Hag, with the Dutchman recently admitting that a move for a number nine was their priority for the upcoming window. That ploy has been expected, with Wout Weghorst's short term deal highlighting the need for such a player.
However, with the revelation that a move for Kolo Muani would require close to a club record level of outlay, there may be the temptation to pursue a more established name, such as England captain Harry Kane. United fans recently chanted "Harry Kane, we’ll see you in June," during a 2-2 draw with Spurs before ten Hag was asked about such a move after the match.
He hinted at interest, explaining: "I think everyone knows, it’s not a secret that we in the long term and over the whole season have a shortage of number nines."
“Because first we had the drop-out of (Cristiano) Ronaldo, then Anthony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho was often not available. Then you have a shortage of front-line players." He continued “With less players we have to cover many games. Definitely in the front line we need players who strengthen the squad.
“You can approach it in many ways. A typical number nine, (or) Rashford can also play very good as a number nine. Anthony Martial is a great number nine. So we have players who can play in that role, but definitely we need some offensive players who are really impact players, quality players who improve the front line.”
