Man Utd eye shock transfer for Real Madrid star

Suraj Radia

• 28 Mar 2024 20:19 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United will look to sign a striker this summer but, despite the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the focus could be on targeting a veteran backup to Rasmus Hojlund, with one potential signing already being scouted.

United have relied on Hojlund to lead the line this season but Erik ten Hag has had no reliable alternative to turn to for the Danish striker, who missed the last month of action due to injury.

Marcus Rashford has netted in his last three games but the England international prefers to play out on the left, while Anthony Martial is injured and likely to depart in the summer when his contract expires.

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Although United are expected to have money to spend under Ratcliffe this summer, the club are looking to spend in multiple areas, meaning bargain buys will be considered to fill some voids in the squad.

And Spanish outlet Relevo has claimed that United sent a two-man delegation to watch potential targets, with one option being Real Madrid veteran Joselu.

The 34-year-old has been on loan at the Bernabeu this season, scoring eight times in ten La Liga starts, and it is believed Joselu’s physical style combined with his Premier League experience has made him an appealing choice for United.

Joselu likely to turn down United for reduced Real role

Real Madrid have the option to buy Joselu permanently from Espanyol for around €1.5 million and the Spaniard is understood to be prioritising staying with the La Liga giants.

It is understood that Joselu appreciates his role could be limited next season with the impending arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to Madrid but, having achieved his dream of playing for Real, the ex-Newcastle striker does not want it to end anytime soon.

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Real are expected to take up their option to sign Joselu permanently but United will likely provide competition, although the Madrid man is one of many names on their shortlist.

Joselu played three seasons in the Premier League with Stoke and Newcastle but he only scored ten goals in 68 appearances during that time.

However, his time back in Spain has been more fruitful, having scored 16 times for Espanyol last season, which prompted Real to sign him as a stop gap option.