Manchester United could make a shrewd signing in Bournemouth forward
Manchester United are reportedly targeting Bournemouth’s Josh King.
Manchester United made an approach for their academy graduate back in January, in a bid worth £20 million. After the Cherries rejected it, Ole Gunnar Solskjær signed Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua. The former Watford striker was off to a blazing start at Old Trafford, scoring 2 goals each in the FA Cup and the Europa League.
A boyhood fan of the Red Devils, Ighalo’s United dream will probably be cut short when his loan spell ends on May 30th. The Chinese club is unwilling to extend the deal in spite of the Premier League possibly resuming the 2019/20 season sometime in June.
This might leave Manchester United short of attacking options again for their 9 remaining games. Solskjær is understandably keen on signing offensive reinforcements, with Jadon Sancho and Raul Jimenez being linked strongly with the club.
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Jimenez is also being targeted by a host of other European giants including Real Madrid and Juventus, which is probably why King has re-emerged as a target for United.
The 28-year-old has been an integral part of Bournemouth’s squad since their promotion to the top flight in 2015. With Callum Wilson‘s form dropping off this season and Eddie Howe’s men dangerously close to relegation, it is no surprise that a number of teams have an eye on King.
Sky Sports have claimed that four of the top 6 clubs are interested in him, naming Chelsea as one of the other sides. While the Old Trafford faithful might not be as excited about King as they would be about Jimenez, he would still prove to be a shrewd acquisition.
If the Premier League does resume, it is likely that Bournemouth could be relegated, which would considerably drive down their asking price for King. The player himself has also previously spoken of his desire to return to his former club.
With Ighalo likely to cost at least £20 million if his move is to be made permanent, it makes sense for United to save some money and make an approach for King, who is also 2 years younger than the Nigerian forward.
King’s versatility could come in handy next season, with the Norwegian’s ability to play wide or as a traditional centre forward. With Rashford and Martial maturing into goalscoring forwards this season, King could help share the burden.
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If, as reports suggest, Jadon Sancho is also signed, Solskjær can be confident of securing a top 4 finish in 2020/21.