Man Utd switch information: Viktor Gyokeres worth, Harry Kane probability and Douglas Luiz dilemma
Manchester United may have missed out on bolstering their attacking options in the January transfer window but the club could be in for a busy summer
Manchester United‘s woes seem to be mounting, with injuries and a lack of form adding to their troubles.
The Red Devils’ loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday was a bitter pill to swallow, but the serious injury to Lisandro Martinez, which will sideline him for several months, added insult to injury. To make matters worse, manager Ruben Amorim failed to secure any last-minute signings, leaving the squad stretched thin.
This leaves those at Old Trafford in a precarious position as they strive to avoid a repeat of last season’s dismal Premier League performance. The absence of a reliable striker has been a long-standing issue, and Amorim is working with a limited number of natural wing-backs, despite the late signing of Patrick Dorgu.
As we approach what could be a pivotal summer, we delve into the latest transfer news from Manchester.
Gyokeres’ asking price
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is likely to be high on United’s wish list as they aim to reunite the prolific forward with Amorim. Gyokeres has proven to be a shrewd acquisition since his move to Portugal and is now one of the continent’s most lethal strikers.
The 26-year-old netted a hat-trick against Manchester City a few months ago, and according to iNews, Sporting would be open to selling their star player for around £60million.
Sporting have demonstrated that they are willing to part with their top talent for the right price. Amorim saw several of his key players depart during his time at the helm, and the club may yet see their former boss return to snap up their prized asset.
Harry Kane a shock option?
Harry Kane’s release clause is set to be activated next January, potentially paving the way for a cut-price return to England. The striker, 31, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester before he eventually signed for Bayern Munich, could have been snapped up in the January transfer window for around €80million (£67m).
However, that opportunity has passed and another release clause will come into effect in 12 months – at an even lower price of €65m (£54m), according to Bild. It’s believed that Tottenham have first refusal if he does leave the German club, but United could certainly be contenders.
Douglas Luiz looking for Prem return
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The 26-year-old has found regular game time hard to come by in Turin since his move from Aston Villa last summer and is now considering his options.
Luiz, who previously played for City before moving to Villa, was linked with a return to Manchester in the January window. The Daily Mail reports that United are also fans of the Brazilian, who impressed when Villa finished in the top four last season.
Despite public support from Juventus boss Thiago Motta, there have been internal discussions about a potential exit. They couldn’t make it happen last month, but may try again in the summer.
