Manchester United appear to be closing in on one major summer signing with attacking additions vital for Ruben Amorim.
The summer transfer window isn’t even close to opening just yet, but Manchester United are pressing ahead with signing plans.
Reports suggest that United are closing in on Matheus Cunha, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers ace seemingly Old Trafford-bound.
Cunha is ‘optimistic’ that he will join United, with his £62.5million release clause set to be triggered this summer.
The Brazilian will not be the end of United’s business, though, and more attacking signings will be required.
A striker will be wanted and reports suggest that United will focus on Liam Delap, intending to pay his Ipswich Town release clause.
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Paul Merson backs Jean-Philippe Mateta for Manchester United
Delap has impressed for Ipswich this season, and his connection to Jason Wilcox means the United rumours do add up.
Other strikers are being mentioned with United heavily linked to Victor Osimhen ahead of his anticipated Napoli exit.
Reports in March even suggested that United are interested in signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.
The Frenchman has been exceptional for Palace ever since the appointment of Oliver Glasner last season.
Mateta scored a sumptuous chip against Arsenal on Wednesday night and continues to earn huge praise for Palace.
Pundit Paul Merson has now told Sky Sports that he thinks Mateta would be ideal for United.
Merson ruled out a move to Arsenal, believing that he just wouldn’t have enough space to do his best work.
Merson feels Maateta is a ‘really good fit’ at United, though, praising him as a ‘nightmare for defenders’ and the kind of striker who can ‘steady the ship’ at Old Trafford.
The former Arsenal ace expected United to go for Mateta in January, but now thinks he will leave Palace this summer.
“I wouldn’t say Arsenal. At the Emirates, teams sit 10 behind the ball and I don’t think he has that guile. He needs grass in front of him where he’s willing,” said Merson.
“He makes good runs, he’s strong, he’s quick and he’s a really good player.
“I thought Man United would go for him in the January transfer window. I think he’s a really good fit for them at the moment with what they need and to steady the ship.
“He’ll lead the line. He defends from the front and he’s a nightmare for defenders. I can’t imagine too many defenders coming off the pitch after a game and going ‘that was a walk in the park’. I think he gets the move this summer,” he added.
Other strikers surely ahead of Mateta in United’s plans
United would be bonkers not to at least have a look at Mateta.
The 27-year-old has now hit 30 goals in his last two Premier League seasons – and could add more before the end of this campaign.
Mateta has been in red-hot form for a while now, and United need to be looking at all strikers who could bring some goals to Ruben Amorim’s side.
Mateta could fit that bill, but we would anticipate other strikers being higher up on United’s list.
Delap figures to be the prime target as things stand, whilst Osimhen’s proven track record around Europe makes him very appealing.
Mateta could be one to watch if those two can’t be signed, but we can’t imagine him being United’s top striking target this summer.
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