Milan enter race to sign Man Utd striker target

Tom Weber

17 Jul 2023 12:47 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag next to the Manchester United badge — © ProShots

AC Milan have entered the race to sign Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, according to Italian media.

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The Italian giants are looking for a number nine following the retirement of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and they are targeting the Iranian sharpshooter - but this pursuit may bring them into conflict with Manchester United.

United are also in the market for a striker. Having been forced to relinquish their interest in the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen due to their price tag, the Red Devils have begun looking for cheaper options.

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Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund has crystalised as their priority target. While the player is keen on the move, there is a discrepancy between his club's valuation and what United are prepared to pay. It is still early in the talks, with Manchester United focused on securing the signing of Andre Onana first, but they are said to be preparing for a scenario in which they don't get Hojlund.

Taremi a wanted man

This has given rise to rumours that Erik ten Hag may be looking at Mehdi Taremi as an alternative, speculation that was fueled by the player's agent, who posted a picture on Instagram of a Man Utd badge with Old Trafford tagged as his location last week.

Taremi was the only player to find the back of the net more than 20 times in the Portuguese top flight last term, finishing as the league's top scorer with 22 goals. The Iranian turns 31 on Tuesday (July 18), but his performances for Porto have made him a wanted man.

READ: 'Exceptional' Onana PRAISED ahead of Man Utd transfer

According to Calciomercato, it is not United but AC Milan who have sent an 'official offer' to Taremi's employer. The offer was reportedly worth €13 million, which was rejected out of hand by Porto, who want €20-25m.

Signing him would almost certainly put an end to AC Milan's pursuit of Samuel Chukwueze as Taremi would fill up the Rossoneri's final non-EU roster spot.