Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic.
What’s the story?
According to Tribal Football, the Red Devils are weighing up a move for the 23-year-old as manager Ole Gunnar Solkjaer looks to bolster his attacking options.
The report states that: “Jovic’s price and availability has him front of mind inside Carrington HQ,” meaning a transfer to Old Trafford could potentially be on the cards over the coming weeks.
Spanish outlet AS reported that the Serbia international was “seduced” by the prospect of playing for United last September, and the same publication claimed Madrid would demand £35 million for his services earlier in the summer.
John Murtough eyes up move
A new defensive midfielder is believed to be the priority for United in the current window following the acquisition of Jadon Sancho and the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane.
However, despite the fact that Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial are comfortable playing through the middle, an ageing Edinson Cavani is arguably the only natural recognised senior striker on the club’s books, meaning Solskjaer may be tempted to make a move for Jovic.
The stocky forward burst onto the European scene during a hugely successful loan spell with German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018/19, bagging 27 goals in 48 appearances, adding a further seven assists.
Jovic’s outstanding displays earned many admirers, and former colleague Kevin-Prince Boateng is amongst his supporters.
“He has everything to become (a world-class striker). You see that in training. He has football in his genes, he’s a street footballer, and he has a nose for goal,” said Boateng (as relayed by Bundesliga.com)
“He scores with his head, right or left foot. He is technically good and can shoot well with both feet. He just has everything a striker needs.”
And his ex-Eintracht striker partner Sebastien Haller was also quick to praise the prolific hitman, saying: “He brings everything: he’s fast, robust, technically savvy and a super finisher.”
Despite his magnificent exploits with the Bundesliga side, Jovic has struggled to live up to expectations following a £52m move to Madrid in the summer of 2019.
In 32 appearances for Los Blancos, the Red Star Belgrade academy graduate has scored just two goals, laying on only two assists for his teammates. His poor form saw him return to Frankfurt on loan halfway through last season, where he showed glimpses of his clinical touch.
Whether United’s football director John Murtough follows up his reported interest with a formal offer remains to be seen, but the addition of a young, proven goalscorer to Solskjaer’s ranks would certainly be a welcomed move.
And, in other news…Murtough must avoid MUFC transfer nightmare over £40.5m-rated gem, Ole would be fuming