Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to orchestrate a major shake-up at Old Trafford over the summer. The INEOS owner has been left unimpressed by his boyhood side’s recruitment over the past few years and would like to break the trend of underwhelming acquisitions.
As a result, fringe players are expected to be offloaded to raise funds for marquee signings. United are keen to improve at both ends of the pitch, with the likes of Antony, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire all linked with moves away from the Theatre of Dreams.
Erik ten Hag has spoken openly about how he was keen for the Red Devils to sign a striker during the January transfer window, and he looks set to be granted his wish. According to Spanish news outlet Relevo, United have ‘shown an interest’ in Madrid’s Joselu.
The Red Devils spoke with Los Blancos about his situation and also touched base with his agency to sound out their interest, with the club sending representatives to Spain a few weeks ago to gain all the relevant information they required ahead of this summer.
United are keen to put their faith in Hojlund going forward and would therefore like to acquire the services of a ‘veteran’ striker who can provide experience and also make an impact off of the bench, and they believe that Joselu fits the bill in that regard.
The higher powers at the Theatre of Dreams also value Premier League experience, and therefore the 34-year-old’s time in the English top-flight with Newcastle means that he is well-regarded among chiefs, as well as Ratcliffe. Joselu also spent the 2015/16 season with Stoke City, scoring four in 27 appearances.
The Spain international is not the first former Potters star to be eyed by United though. Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was unsuccessfully pursued in the January transfer window as he was deemed to be a cut-price option who met the aforementioned criteria to be a second-choice striker under Ten Hag. It remains to be seen whether United’s pursuit of Joselu is more successful this summer, though the player is said to be prioritising remaining with Real Madrid.
