Manchester United have surprisingly identified Red Bull Salzburg ace Nene Dorgeles as a replacement for Barcelona target Marcus Rashford, it has been revealed.
Ruben Amorim and Man Utd are in need of attacking reinforcements, especially as at least one forward could leave Old Trafford this month. While Joshua Zirkzee has decided to stay, Rashford has admitted his desire for a ‘new challenge’ while Alejandro Garnacho is in talks to join Napoli.
United hope to add Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani to their attacking ranks before the winter deadline; He is not the only striker in the crosshairs.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that little-known Malian foreigner Dorgeles could take Rashford’s place in the United squad.
The Red Devils have “added Dorgeles to their shortlist” after his performances in Austria.
United are ‘monitoring’ Dorgeles’ development and have held ‘initial talks’ to learn his availability and how much he will cost.
United will “continue to work” on this before deciding to launch a concrete offer for the 22-year-old.
Although Dorgeles is not a great option and is unknown to United fans, he appears to have a very bright long future ahead of him.
The player mainly likes to operate on the left flank but can be used anywhere across the forward line, which should help him adapt to Amorim’s system.
Dorgeles has six goals and six assists in 27 games for Salzburg this season, while representing Mali on 20 occasions.
There was also an update on Rashford’s envisaged departure from United. Catalan newspaper Sport says Rashford has selected Barcelona as his “priority” destination this month.
Rashford “wants to join” Barca and the Blaugrana are keen to reach a loan deal, even if they want to get rid of at least two players first.
A war of primary moves is brewing between Barça and AC Milan for the English winger.
French outlet L’Equipe has revealed that Milan are prioritizing capturing Rashford over Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker as they can sign a British player depending on the year.
Milan are expected to make official contact for Rashford today (Tuesday).
TEAMtalk understands that United are willing to facilitate Rashford’s exit, having opened up to a potential loan transfer.
Borussia Dortmund and Napoli have also been linked with the 27-year-old. As it stands, though, Barca and Milan seem to be best-placed to land him.
After United knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Sunday, Amorim was asked if Rashford would play for his boyhood club again. The Portuguese said: “I don’t know. I don’t know, let’s see.
“He is a Manchester United player. We’ll see.
“You have to work. He has to build this club and he loves this club, but I have to make decisions. [I’ve] talked before about how I make my decisions. That’s how it is.
“Then let’s continue. ” Let’s see the game. And like I said, I have to make a selection.
Meanwhile, United will want to act temporarily if they make Kolo Muani their new centre-forward.
Italian media outlet La Repubblica claims Kolo Muani has accepted Juventus as his next destination after the Serie A giants began talks with PSG.
Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that United view the Frenchman as a ‘concrete’ striker option, though a deal is slipping through Amorim’s fingers.
Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham is another player United misses.
According to Spanish media, Real Madrid is willing to sign Bellingham to play alongside his older brother Jude.
The young Bellingham finds a move to Madrid “attractive” that will probably take place this summer instead of January.