Erik ten Hag has settled on his primary Man Utd striker target for the summer and a colossal fee will affect other deals, while a Euro giant are readying an Erling Haaland raid and West Ham could swap strikers with Inter Milan – all in Friday’s Transfer Gossip.
MAN UTD SELECT TOP STRIKER TARGET
Erik ten Hag has determined who is his number one striker target for the summer, dismissing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen in favour of landing Tottenham superstar Harry Kane, per a report.
That’s according to the Guardian who state the 29-year-old England ace is Ten Hag’s ‘preferred No 9’.
Explaining why, the newspaper add Kane is viewed as a ‘surer guarantee of goals’ in the Premier League.
Osimhen has been in spectacular form this term, notching 19 goals in 21 Serie A appearances. However, United and Ten Hag clearly believe there is a gap in quality between the Italian and English top flights and Osimhen’s exploits in Serie A don’t match up to Kane’s in the Premier League.
Kane’s current deal with Tottenham expires in the summer of 2024. However, if he refuses to pen fresh terms, Spurs may be forced into cashing in while they still can this summer.
Even in that scenario, the Guardian note Tottenham will make life as difficult as possible for Man Utd. Indeed, they’d much prefer to sell to an overseas suitor – such as Bayern Munich – than an English rival.
The report adds Spurs hope to ‘ward off’ suitors by demanding a ‘huge fee’. The size of the fee isn’t speculated, though past reports have stressed Kane is valued well in excess of £100m.
A move of that size could force Man Utd to be more ‘prudent’ with regards to other summer moves.
A central midfielder is in the club’s sights, with Chelsea’s Mason Mount emerging as a gettable and cheaper target when compared with Jude Bellingham.
United are fully aware forging a deal with Tottenham and Daniel Levy won’t be straightforward.
However, it’s reiterated Kane is Ten Hag’s ideal pick and the Dutchman is ready to devote the bulk of his summer budget towards signing the lethal hitman.
MAN CITY BRACED FOR HAALAND OFFER
Real Madrid are preparing to bring their plans to sign Erling Haaland forward a year by tabling an audacious proposal in the summer of 2023, per a report.
Haaland has been everything Man City fans could’ve hoped for and more since moving to the Etihad. The Norwegian marksman has bagged 27 goals in just 25 Premier League appearances thus far. He’s also plundered five in five in the Champions League.
The Athletic previously revealed Haaland’s City contract does in fact contain a release clause that becomes active in the summer of 2024.
It’s worth €200million (approx. £177m) and is only available to overseas clubs. The value of the clause will decrease the later Haaland gets into his five-year deal.
Real Madrid have long been linked with a blockbuster striker move to finally replace Karim Benzema. They’ve had their eye on Kylian Mbappe, but per the Independent, have switched their focus to Haaland.
The outlet report Real were initially willing to wait until 2024, though will ‘test the waters’ 12 months in advance.
An ‘audacious move’ is being considered and Real hope to pray on the uncertainty brought about by the 100+ charges brought against Man City by the Premier League regarding alleged Financial Fair Play breaches.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti could depart in the summer and his exit will reportedly bring about a push to reinvigorate the team with a younger feel.
Haaland is wanted – as well as Liverpool and City target, Jude Bellingham.
The report notes Haaland is happy at the Etihad, though it’s believed he’s not the type to remain at any one club for the long haul.
The potential size of any Real bid isn’t speculated, though it stands to reason it’ll need to be a colossal one to cajole City into selling one of the most feared forwards in world football.
WEST HAM TO SWAP STRIKERS WITH INTER?
West Ham and Inter Milan could indirectly swap a pair of strikers in the upcoming summer window, per a report.
The Hammers landed Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo last year, though the towering Italian has fallen down the pecking order of late.
Michail Antonio has returned to the fore, while the January arrival of Danny Ings has placed another obstacle in his path. Manager David Moyes only plays one up front.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Scamacca has re-emerged as a transfer target for Inter Milan who could be on the verge of losing Edin Dzeko. Inter sized up Scamacca last summer but could not compete with West Ham financially.
Dzeko, now 36, remains a potent striker despite his advancing years. His current deal at the San Siro expires this summer and he’s understood to be seeking a two-year deal. As yet, Inter have only offered a one-year extension.
Gazzetta tout West Ham as having an interest in bringing Dzeko back to England if he leaves Inter on a free. He previously played for Man City between 2010-15.
Of course, given the age gap between the pair (12 years) and the fact Scamacca was only just signed for £35m (including future add-ons), West Ham would look to recoup a sizeable fee if the two frontmen changed places.
