Manchester United need attacking signings this summer and appear to have a dream target in mind for the transfer window.
The seven goals scored in two games against Real Sociedad and Leicester City appear to have been a false dawn for Manchester United.
We hoped that United had finally unlocked some attacking form under Ruben Amorim, but goals have been in short supply since returning from the international break.
Games against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Lyon and Newcastle United have produced just three goals.
It’s clear that United must invest in attackers this summer, and we have seen Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike linked with a move to Old Trafford.
United must also consider adding quality in the two number 10 roles in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup, with another Bundesliga star wanted.
Manchester United maintain contact for Xavi Simons
Reports in March suggested that United were interested in signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
The Dutchman is thought to be valued at around €80million (£67million), with United in the mix for his signature.
That would be a significant outlay, especially with United’s budget expected to be a little limited this summer.
The Daily Mail now claim that United have ‘maintained contact’ over a potential deal to sign Simons this summer.
Simons is described as being ‘one of several options’ being juggled by United ahead of the summer transfer window.
The fee isn’t the only problem for United, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Manchester City all chasing Simons’ signature this summer.
Winning that race won’t be easy for United, but it’s easy to see where Simons fits into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Simons predominantly plays a number 10, but he has also played out wide for club and country, meaning he can create centrally for United but also feel comfortable in wide areas.
Alejandro Garnacho is comfortable wide but less so centrally, and conversely, Joshua Zirkzee has shown his quality in a central role but doesn’t have the pace or agility out wide.
Hailed as ‘really complete’ by Dani Olmo on the official Bundesliga website, Simons fits the bill for United and may well be worth the significant fee this summer.
- READ MORE: Ruben Amorim ‘very fond’ of £65m Premier League star who already scored past Man Utd this season
Manchester United consider other number 10 options
Simons is far from the only option on United’s radar.
United are interested in Matheus Cunha, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers star enjoying a superb Premier League campaign.
The Brazilian’s release clause stands at around £62million, very close to the fee needed for Simons.
One name we can’t ignore is Francisco Trincao.
United are keen to sign Trincao, and the Sporting star would certainly be cheaper than both Simons and Cunha.
Trincao played under Amorim at both Braga and Sporting, so a reunion at United could make sense.
Amorim may ideally want two signings in those number 10 roles but may have to stick with one, given the work needed in other areas.
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