Manchester United have to try and work out a way to sign players at the right time, and this has been a major problem in recent seasons.
Manchester United’s new investors Ineos believe that scouting and recruitment is a sophisticated art, and one of the keys to the club’s failings over the past decade.
Work is ongoing to create the right structure for future success, and avoid some of the thinking which has left United with a lopsided squad with just two senior strikers, one of which was injury-prone Anthony Martial.
A second and possibly third striker is needed, and Manchester United are looking to Portugal to bring in one of Europe’s top forwards this season.
READ MORE: Manchester United transfer history 2013 to present day
Viktor Gyokeres open to Manchester United move
Manchester United are reported to be pursuing Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has a staggering 31 goals this season for his club.
The Red Devils have reached out over a potential move for the Swede, and learned he is keen on a potential switch to Manchester United.
Graeme Bailey reports for HITC “Talks have taken place over a possible deal for Gyokeres – who has indicated to Sporting he is ready to move this summer.
He adds: “Man United have made a move and it is understood Gyokeres is more than open to moving to Old Trafford.”
There is complication with his manager at Sporting, Ruben Amorim, strongly linked with Liverpool, creating a path for him to target the forward. Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are also keen.
Cost could turn out to be an issue. Gyokeres has a release clause of 100 million Euros in his contract at Sporting.
The club bought him for just £20 million from Coventry City last summer. That is the type of forward-thinking Manchester United really need under Ineos.
Perhaps the 25-year-old is worth splashing out substantially more on. However, the club’s transfer budget is unclear, and there are also needs to strengthen in defence and midfield.
Is there another Gyokeres lurking for £20 million this summer? Hopefully not at his former club Coventry, who United face in theFA Cup semi-final this coming weekend.
There is a Dan Ashworth connection to Gyokeres, with the pair at Brighton together early in the Swede’s career.
Erik ten Hag has admitted United need a striker
Speaking ahead of the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, Ten Hag was asked about signing another striker.
He told BBC Sport: “I think it would help. You need more options. You need double positioning in every position.
“Some positions we didn’t have the choices this season – the striker position, the left-back position – and that has a negative impact on the results.”