Man Utd END striker pursuit due to finances

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Jun 2023 16:27 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have been trying to engineer a deal for Randal Kolo Muani, but they can't afford the Frenchman, according to a report.

Erik ten Hag's striker search continues with the number nine position being the Red Devils' top summer priority. The ongoing takeover saga, however, means that the funds at the Dutchman's disposal are relatively limited.

This has already seen United drop out of the races to sign Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane, with the latter reportedly leaning towards a surprise Bayern Munich move. Now, it has reportedly also forced them to end their pursuit of World Cup finalist Randal Kolo Muani, claims The Mirror.

READ: Harry Kane moves away from Man Utd towards Bayern

The Eintracht Frankfurt striker burst onto the scene last season, having joined the Eagles on a free transfer from Ligue 1 side Nantes. In the Bundesliga, the 24-year-old hit 15 goals and recorded 14 assists last term.

Frankfurt's hefty asking price

With no shortage of suitors, Frankfurt have slapped a whopping price tag of at least €100 million on their star striker, a decision as much informed by the market valuation of the likes of Osimhen and Kane as by Kolo Muani's contract length, still running until 2027.

People in the Eagles' club hierarchy have been quite clear about wanting to keep the Frenchman for at least one more season, even though the player has repeatedly flirted with a big move, openly talking about his ambitions of winning major trophies as soon as possible.

READ: Veronique Rabiot’s ASTRONOMICAL demands Man Utd rejected

Frankfurt's asking price is too much for United and they will reportedly now have to focus on Atalanta's Danish wonderkid Rasmus Hojlund, nicknamed the 'next Haaland.' He, too, won't come cheap, however.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Atalanta's initial asking price is north of €70m, which Ten Hag and company believe is too much for a player who only has one season of football in Europe's top five leagues under his belt thus far.