Rumour: Manchester United interested in signing Torino striker Andrea Belotti
What’s the story?
Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their interest in making a move for Torino striker Andrea Belotti. As we at Sportskeeda had reported earlier in our daily transfer roundup, United were interested in signing Belotti, but it was believed that he would leave Torino for Spain with Real Madrid believed to be in advanced talks.
However, according to most English papers last night, Manchester United are preparing a bid for the striker who has a £85m release clause. The Manchester heavyweights are said to believe that the Italian forward can be the long-term replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
In case you didn’t know...
The 23-year-old Italian striker nicknamed ‘The Rooster’, has scored 30 goals in 59 games for Torino out of which 19 have come this season. His 17 goals in Serie A makes him the third highest goal scorer in the league, just one goal behind Edin Dzeko and Gonzalo Higuain. Belotti joined Torino from Palermo in 2015 for a fee in the region of €8.5 million and he recently signed a new contract with his current club in December 2016.
The heart of the matter
Manchester United are preparing to break the bank by matching Andrea Belotti’s release clause as they look to move fast with other European and English rival clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool also rumoured to be interested in his services.
United have reportedly sent scouts to watch the striker over the course of the past few weeks for his last few of games and are planning a bid soon.
Sportskeeda’s take
This could well prove to be an important transfer for Manchester United. The Red Devils have been considerably short of firepower up front with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring the bulk of their goals and he isn't getting younger at the age of 35. The Swede could be at United and perform to his best capabilities for maybe just another season and thus, the club needs a younger replacement for him.
Belotti fits the bill, has an impressive record and a classic Italian striker’s technique. Even if the Antoine Griezmann move does or doesn’t materialise for United, they should wrap up this deal as soon as possible. A striker and a winger should be a priority for the Red Devils this summer.