An in-form 98-goal striker could now ‘come back onto Erik ten Hag’s radar’ as he seeks a fresh option in the January transfer window, it has been claimed.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has set his sights on welcoming a new striker to Old Trafford and Bayern Munich star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting ‘might come back on the radar’, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Red Devils terminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract in November, leaving them with a shortage of options at the point of their attack.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Man United transfer news – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
According to The Athletic, Choupo-Moting could be available during the early stages of 2023 and Manchester United may pounce.
The report suggests the Red Devils are in the market for a new frontman and, thanks to being a low-cost option, a move for the Cameroon international is a possibility.
Manchester United stepped up their interest long before the winter transfer window opened for business as, prior to the World Cup, they enquired about Choupo-Moting’s availability.
However, Bayern want the 33-year-old to commit his long-term future to the club and, having moved into the final six months of his agreement, he is keen to pen a lucrative contract.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently told GiveMeSport that it will be difficult for Manchester United to sign Choupo-Moting midway through the season as his current employers are keen to retain his services at the Allianz Arena.
What has Dean Jones said about Choupo-Moting?
Jones believes Manchester United’s summer pursuit of Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic, before pulling out of a deal, shows ten Hag is looking for a certain profile of striker.
With that being the case, the journalist feels Choupo-Moting could be among ten Hag’s targets for the winter window after originally looking to sign him in the summer.
Jones told GiveMeSport: “We saw they were serious about signing Arnautovic until that was killed off by supporters, basically.
“But it’s the certain profile that needs to fit and if Choupo-Moting can fill a particular role then he might come back on the radar.”
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Choupo-Moting be a good signing for Man United?
Sofascore statistics show that Choupo-Moting has averaged a Bundesliga goal every 87 minutes this season, underlining his prowess in the final third of the pitch.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man has now found the back of the net 98 times over the course of his senior club career, although he did struggle during his only spell in the Premier League.
Choupo-Moting only got his name on the scoresheet five times in the English top flight while on Stoke City’s books, but Manchester United should not read into that underwhelming figure too much.
That is because only four Bayern players have bettered his 7.29 WhoScored rating in domestic action this term, so he would be heading to Old Trafford in a rich vein of form.
Manchester United should use the uncertainty over Choupo-Moting’s long-term future, due to his £60,000-per-week contract expiring in the summer, to their advantage.
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