Solskjaer, Murtough on same page over new striker, as Ole declares Man Utd window a success
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and John Murtough are understood to be in “mutual agreement” over a striker after the Manchester United boss admitted “we’ve had a good window”.
United failed to add a new no.9 to their ranks, but Solskjaer did land Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Tom Heaton.
The first two are understood to have been Solskjaer’s top targets, but a striker was also believed to be on his wanted list.
There is still time before the August 31 deadline, but Solskajer’s doubts the club will do any more business.
In an interview with VG, Solskjaer said: “I don’t think much is going to happen. If something happens, it is a bonus. You never know what happens in the world of football.
“But we’ve had a very good window. I am happy with what we’ve done.”
However, Solskjaer and director of football Murtough are on the same page regarding a striker.
The pair are set to sit down and talk transfers next month. And a new striker will be top of the agenda.
United were able to extend Edinson Cavani’s stay for another season but the Uruguayan is set to leave in 2022,.
That will leave United in need for a frontman, but United fans can be assured both men want Erling Haaland.
The Manchester Evening News says Solskjaer and Murtough are said to both agree on Borussia Dortmund’s prolific frontman being the preferred long-term option.
Dortmund have blocked the 21-year-old’s sale this summer. But next year the striker’s €75m release clause is set to come into play.
German outlet Bild maintain that Solskjaer’s men are best placed to land the prolific striker.
That news comes in spite of suggestions from Bild’s Christian Falk that Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola demanded a €50m per-year wage packet for his client.
Negotiations with Chelsea are understood to have taken place earlier this summer with Italian agent Raiola asking for a staggering weekly wage of over £800,000 before tax.
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Kane future resolved, for now
Raiola, whose relationship with United is understood to be frosty, was also asking for a €40m agents fee. So it was no surprise the Blues eventually decided against submitting a formal offer for the Norway striker.
Haaland, whose proposed move to United in December 2020 fell through partly due to United refusing to meet Raiola’s demands, has started the season on fire. He has scored two goals and grabbed three assists in his first two Bundesliga games.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane could be available after pledging his future to Spurs this season.
Kane was hunting for a move to Man City earlier in the summer, but Daniel Levy blocked the transfer.
It left Kane’s future up in the air and on Wednesday he released a statement pledging his immediate future to the club.
“I will be staying at Tottenham this summer and will be 100% focused on helping the team achieve success,” said Kane.
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