Manchester United have reportedly earmarked free agent Jamie Vardy as an emergency target as they ramp up their search for a new striker.
United on the hunt for a top-class talisman
Having completed the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively, United are now searching for a new reliable striker.
Confidence in Rasmus Hojlund is waning fast after another difficult season at United, during which he struggled to regularly come up with the goods in front of goal.
Hojlund managed only four Premier League goals but those poor numbers barely paint the full picture of his difficulties. He struggled even with the basics of leading the line such as holding up the ball, linking up play and making movements into dangerous positions.
United have missed out on a number of their top targets such as Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap but they’re believed to still be keeping tabs on a few other players on their shortlist.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig are two players who are still on the Red Devils’ radar.
But, the pair carry hefty price tags and if a compromise with their clubs can’t be reached, United are highly unlikely to land them. Due to this, Ruben Amorim’s side have been forced to be creative, hence links to cheaper options like Dominic Calver-Lewin and Jamie Vardy.
Vardy available as a free agent
Vardy parted ways with Leicester City earlier this summer, following the expiry of his contract. With 500 appearances and 200 goals to his name, Vardy is still keen to go on and has no intention of hanging up his boots.
He ranks as the Premier League’s 14th highest scorer of all time, with 145 goals under his belt.
Despite Leicester being relegated last term, Vardy still managed a respectable nine goals and four assists in 35 top-flight appearances. These numbers, coupled with his extensive experience, make him an interesting option for several teams and it seems United are one of them.
Vardy is an option for United
According to Fichajes, United have lined up a swoop for Vardy if they fail to snap up their other top targets.
Fichajes claim, “The most notable name to emerge in recent hours is Manchester United. The Old Trafford club doesn’t have him as a priority, but if they can’t secure their main attacking targets, Vardy could become an urgent alternative.”
“The possibility of him wearing the Red Devils shirt at this point would be a surprise, but it’s not entirely ruled out.”
But United are not the only team after him. He is also wanted by Everton, Wolves and newly-promoted Sunderland.
It’s understood Everton have taken the strongest initiative to land Vardy. The Toffees view him as a “golden opportunity” to bolster their attacking ranks and have already initiated talks with his camp.
Wolves have also enquired about Vardy while Sunderland have presented the 38-year-old with “an attractive offer’ that includes the promise of guaranteed playing time and a significant role in their project.
Fichajes add that Vardy is expected to make his decision in the coming days but everything points to him playing in the Premier League next term.
Featured image George Wood via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
