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Manchester United have made “initial contact” over a potential deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrick Schick, according to Sky Sports Germany.
Bundesliga expert Patrick Berger reveals the Red Devils are “monitoring the situation” of Schick with the 29-year-old forward considered an “interesting” option by Old Trafford officials.
The Sky Sports reporter contends United would “prefer a younger profile” but a reduced price tag – believed to be in the £20-25 million range – could persuade the Mancunian club to compromise, given a constrained transfer budget at Old Trafford this summer.
Tweet: “Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick (29/🇨🇿). #MUFC are in the market for a No.9 and prefer a younger profile – but Schick is also considered interesting. Initial contact was made, but nothing concrete so far. One of many names on the list.
Leverkusen would demand €25-30m for Schick who is under contract until 2027. The Premier League is Schick’s preferred destination. Despite interest from Saudi clubs, a move to the Middle East is currently not an option.”
United are on course to finish with their lowest goal tally in the Premier League are after Sunday’s chastening 4-1 defeat to Newcastle confirmed this season as the worst points tally in the division’s history, with six games to spare.
Only five teams have scored fewer times than Ruben Amorim’s side – Everton, West Ham, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton – with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combining for just six goals in the league.
Schick, by comparison, has scored 17 times for reigning Bundesliga champions Leverkusen, with another six in cup competitions this season.
Neither Hojlund nor Zirkzee appear viable as long-term options up front for United. Hojlund’s form has reached such a painful nadir that an exit from Old Trafford appears the best move for both parties, while Zirkzee’s skillset lends itself more to the number ten position, than as a number nine.
And with 17-year-old phenom Chido Obi waiting in the wing, the prospect of adding an experienced striker with a proven record of goal-scoring, such as Schick, may be a sensible short-term solution.
However, Ipswich striker Liam Delap remains the club’s primary target with the 22-year-old’s contract containing a £30 million release clause should the Tractor Boys be relegated. The Englishman’s form this season has impressed many clubs in England, however, creating a red-hot race to win his signature this summer.
Should the Reds prove unsuccessful in this pursuit, Schick offers an affordable alternative at a time when reasonably priced forwards are in short demand.
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