Man Utd 'open talks' on striker pundit believes would be a disaster

Manchester United have ‘opened talks’ to sign a £40m-rated striker, though one observer has brutally explained why completing the deal would be a mistake.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are both struggling to meet expectations making a new signing important. Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are both in United’s sights, though neither will come cheaply.

Osimhen’s release clause drops in value to a figure in the €75m-€80m / £63m-£67m range from July 1. Gyokeres can be signed for slightly less through a pact made between the Swede and Sporting CP’s hierarchy.

But with additions in multiple positions required and Man Utd’s summer transfer budget worryingly small prior to player sales, the Red Devils may be forced into signing a cheaper frontman such has Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Palace have reluctantly slapped a £40m price tag on their centre-forward. But according to former Premier League striker and talkSPORT pundit, Troy Deeney, Man Utd would be making a fatal error if landing Mateta.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Deeney brutally claimed Mateta isn’t the answer for Man Utd because he isn’t even the answer for Crystal Palace. When asked whether Mateta can solve United’s striker woes, Deeney said: “No, because he’s not the answer for Palace. So why is he going to be the answer for Manchester United?”

Deeney’s comments certainly come as a surprise given Mateta has notched 12 goals in 27 Premier League appearances this season. The striker also bagged 16 league goals for the Eagles last term. In response to being told Mateta’s form under Glasner includes 28 goals in 46 games, Deeney replied: “Did he never play before that?”

Marcus Rashford could well leave in the summer though Paul Merson cannot fathom why United want to part ways. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former England international said: “Marcus Rashford is doing alright (on loan at Aston Villa), better than I thought he would do.

"He would get in Manchester United’s team every day of the week so I still don’t get it.” Villa inserted an option to buy in their loan agreement worth £40m. Per the Sun, Rashford has already warmed to the idea of moving to Villa Park permanently.

The Red Devils have stepped up their pursuit of a new striker and are in negotiations for Mateta. They have stepped up their efforts to sign the striker who humbled Maguire in February.