Manchester United have been linked overnight with a swoop for Bournemouth attacker David Brooks.
Sport Witness claim United are considering a move for the recently relegated star, who lost most of the 2019/20 season to injury. The MEN had previously reported Brooks was on United’s radar.
Brooks played only seven Premier League games, scoring once against Manchester City.
In his last full season in the top flight in 2018/19 he scored seven goals and provided five assists.
Where does he fit?
Brooks can play across the front line, predominantly as right winger. He would be an alternative to Mason Greenwood on the right, but he can also play centrally, deputising for Bruno Fernandes.
His signing screams squad player rather than automatic starter, yet this is actually precisely what United need.
Brooks is also a like for like replacement for Andreas Pereira in terms of how the Brazilian was used in the first half of the season on the right and through the middle.
He is also left-footed, and can play on the left wing as cover for Marcus Rashford if required, and has also featured for Bournemouth in a deeper central midfield spot. This versatility adds to his value.
If it turns out Brooks is the Sancho alternative, it puts him under a whole lot of pressure. So it would be important to wait for the totality of United’s transfer window work before judging this one should it go ahead.
This move would more likely spell the death knell for Jack Grealish’s chances of signing for United than Jadon Sancho’s.
He’s a United fan
Brooks is a Manchester United supporter and would jump at the chance to join the Red Devils.
The Guardian reported in 2018 that Brooks ‘is a big United fan’. It is also notable that he plays under Ryan Giggs for Wales, even though he was born in Warrington.
United may have a sweetener
Bournemouth’s relegation puts them on the backfoot in negotiations and Brooks wants to play top flight football ahead of Euro 2021.
It may help United also that Bournemouth are one of the clubs reported to be showing interest in young star James Garner.
The Sun report Bournemouth are battling Swansea City to land Garner on a season long loan, while The Star claim Sheffield Wednesday are also interested.
Brooks was once valued by Bournemouth at £50 million, The Sun reported in 2019.
They would be lucky to get half that now from United, due to a combination of relegation, the financial climate, and Brooks’ injury hit season.
Being able to offer Garner on loan for the season would help United to further reduce the price.
If interest at United’s end is serious, this is a deal for which the Old Trafford club hold all the negotiating cards.
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