Erling Haaland is the dream signing for many Manchester United supporters.
The problem is, he is also the dream signing for Real Madrid. And for Manchester City. And Liverpool would probably want him too.
With a price tag likely in excess of £80 million required to sign him, Haaland will be a difficult deal to pull off, despite the club’s admiration of him. [MEN]
So how do you go about finding an alternative to Haaland, which isn’t a similarly costly player like Harry Kane?
Red Bull Salzburg may have the answer, after finding a replacement for Haaland in Zambian striker Patson Daka.
On United’s radar
Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachtricten report United are among a group of teams keen on potentially signing Daka this summer.
Daka has been in prolific form for his club, netting 20 goals in 18 league games. In all competitions he has 27 goals in 31.
Only one of Daka’s 27 goals this season have come from the penalty spot.
There will be questions as to the competitiveness of the Austrian league, but these same queries were asked of Haaland. Daka is just 22-year-old and is showing a ruthless streak in front of goal.
It’s worth noting he struck a brace in a friendly with Liverpool last summer too.
Salzburger Nachtricten report Daka has previously been valued at around £20 million and while he is expected to leave and fetch a higher fee than this, he will almost certainly be available for under £40 million. There’s a potential bargain right there.
Daka was linked to United by The Sun last August and while nothing came of this, it is interesting to see the club linked with him once again.
The young striker is the type of interesting forward United should be looking at, if Haaland is not available. He’s cheap by comparison.
At this stage it is just ‘interest’ on United’s part, rather than any active movement on a deal. He may just be being considered as an early back-up plan.
So for now, it’s just one to note, a possibility, and one which gives United more options to strengthen in other positions.
For instance a move for Jadon Sancho, a £50 million centre-back, and Daka, would likely be seen as a successful summer. United have to explore all avenues.
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