Manchester United are being linked with a move for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has identified Everton striker Romelu Lukaku as a potential summer signing, according to the Guardian.
United are expected to strengthen their squad heavily this summer, as the Red Devils look to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
United lacking striking options
One of United’s priorities this summer is believed to be signing a new striker, despite Marcus Rashford’s recent influential displays. United already have striking options in the likes of Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rashford.
However, Ibrahimovic is out-of-contract this summer and is also likely to be sidelined through injury until early next year. It is unclear if the veteran Swede is going to sign a new deal at Old Trafford. Even before the striker’s injury, United were reported to be looking for a new striker to sign this summer.
Rooney has been in decline in recent seasons and the England international has recently admitted he has not played as many games as he would have liked this season.
The 31-year-old has also stated that he may need to move on this summer in order to play more games next season. Rooney is also more commonly as a number ten than a striker.
Young striker Rashford has scored some important goals of late for the Red Devils. However, the 19-year-old may not be ready to lead the United frontline for a whole season. As promising as the youngster is Mourinho still needs to sign an established striker for next season.
The Red Devils have been linked with a number of strikers, including Antoine Griezmann, Andrea Belotti and even Sergio Aguero. However, Lukaku looks like the most likely transfer target this summer.
Lukaku seems like an ideal signing for United
At 23 years of age, Lukaku is already a prolific Premier League striker. The Belgian international is the English top-flight’s top scorer, having scored 24 league goals this season. This season is not a flash in the pan either, as the striker has got into double figures for goals in the last five seasons.
The striker’s all around game has improved immensely, although there are still question marks over his hold play and his first touch. He is still regarded as one of the brightest young strikers in the European game.
For a player of Lukaku’s age to have the goal scoring record he has is impressive. There are virtual no other players of the same age who have scored the number of goals Lukaku has in a top European league.
The fact that Lukaku has so much experience in the Premier League could be available and still has room for improvement in the future makes the former Chelsea forward look like an attractive prospect for United.
United have competition for Lukaku’s signature
There is no guarantee that Romelu Lukaku will leave Everton this summer. However, it seems to be the common consensus that the striker will leave the Toffees.
If the striker does move on this summer he will not be sold on the cheap. Everton do not wish to sell the prolific striker. However, the player wants Champions League football, though, and the Toffees cannot currently offer that.
United may be able to offer the striker football in Europe’s elite competition. However, that depends on the Red Devils winning the Europa League or catching the top-four in the Premier League.
Jose Mourinho’s men are not the favourites to sign the striker this summer, either, as Lukaku’s former club Chelsea are favourites at odds of 6/4 to sign Lukaku. United are seen as one of the frontrunners for the strikers signature this summer, especially as Lukaku has struck up such a strong friendship with United midfielder Paul Pogba.
Romelu Lukaku has his critics, despite his goalscoring record. However, he is developing into a top striker and if he did join the Red Devils no doubt he would score goals for United. Whether he is a striker that would help win them the league next season is another question.
Should Manchester United target Romelu Lukaku?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
