Man Utd blow after top transfer target's 'positive discussion' with Milan

Stuart Telford

• 8 Dec 2023 18:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United want to bolster their attack with the signing of Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart in January, but AC Milan have stolen a march on the Red Devils according to reports in Italy.

Guirassy has been in incredible form for Stuttgart this season, hitting 16 goals from just 11 Bundesliga games, only nine of which have been starts.

The clamour for his signature only heightened when it came to light that the release clause in his existing contract at the MHPArena stands at just €17.5 million, and Newcastle and West Ham are also understood to be tracking the striker.

United signed Rasmus Hojlund for €75m in August, but he has scored 2.5 goals less than his xG, despite five from five in the Champions League, and Guirassy's 16 from an expected 10.3 appeals to those at Old Trafford.

But Milan have already made their move.

'Negotiations to begin imminently'

"There is evidence of an understanding between Guirassy and Milan," reports CalcioMercato's Daniele Longo. "Yesterday [on Thursday], Rossoneri management had positive discussions with the Stuttgart striker's agents - so much so that negotiations are expected to begin imminently."

The report also claims that Guirassy would prefer to see out the season in Germany, from where he can win the European Golden Shoe and fire Stuttgart back into the Champions League, but that talks with sporting director Antonio D'Ottavio and head scout Geoffrey Moncada "hit the mark."

Milan could prove a more appealing destination for Guirassy than Manchester for personnel reasons, too.

Despite Hojlund's headline-grabbing xG troubles, his hold-up play has contributed to Scott McTominay's recent upturn in form, and his Champions League haul augurs well.

Milan, on the other hand, have Olivier Giroud leading the line with aplomb, but the France legend is already 37, 10 years Guirassy's senior.