Man Utd ditch Viktor Gyokeres to 'join Chelsea and Liverpool' in £85m transfer race

Man Utd have entered the Hugo Ekitike race.

Manchester United have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, according to reports. The Red Devils have identified Ekitike as an option in their pursuit of a new frontman as Ruben Amorim focuses on overhauling the attack in the early stages of his rebuild. Amorim has started his summer business by completing a £62.5million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. Bryan Mbeumo is expected to follow the Brazilian through the door from Brentford in the coming weeks, with negotiations over a transfer fee advancing. But Amorim reportedly wants fresh blood up front to complete a new-look attack after last season's toothless goalscoring record. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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United had pinpointed Liam Delap as their priority striker target after the 22-year-old scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich Town last term. However, Delap opted for a move to Chelsea, which prompted decision brokers to prioritise a swoop for Mbeumo. United still plan to add a striker to Amorim's ranks, though, and have been strongly linked with Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace. According to Sky Germany, Ekitike also features on the shortlist and is so high up that United have made a concrete approach. It's claimed that the Old Trafford giants have officially entered the frame after initiating contact with Frankfurt in recent days and collating details of a potential deal.

Frankfurt value Hugo Ekitike at £85m.

The report adds that Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen on signing Ekitike, who has an eye-watering £85m price tag. Whether United will be capable of reaching those heights this summer remains to be seen, given financial restrictions as a result of no European football next season. Sporting president Frederico Varandas' public confirmation that he will demand more than a previously reported asking price of £59m for Gyokeres may have diverted United's focus. But a transfer involving Ekitike appears likely to be even more complicated, given the higher fee and level of rival suitors.

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