United now eyeing move to sign 21-yo goal machine, Euro side ready to agree club-record deal – report

Manchester United explored the possibility of signing a new forward during the winter transfer window due to uncertainty over Joshua Zirkzee’s future. In late November, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming that United were considering replacing Zirkzee with FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju. The Dutchman eventually remained at Old Trafford. However, Zirkzee is expected to depart in the summer, with several Serie A clubs showing keen interest in bringing him back to Italy. United, meanwhile, have seemingly reignited their interest in Dju. Manchester United following Franculino Dju According to Estadio Deportivo, Manchester United are chasing Midtjylland sensation Franculino Dju alongside the likes of Liverpool, Everton, and West Ham ahead of the summer. However, their strongest competitor in the race to sign the 21-year-old goalscorer is Real Betis, who have already made contact with the Danish Superliga club. The Spanish outlet claims that Midtjylland are aiming for over €25 million for their talent so that he becomes their new club-record sale. Betis, who signed Antony from United last summer, will only make further advances after securing European qualification.  The La Liga outfit face “fierce competition” from the Premier League clubs, including United, who might not need to think as much as Betis to spend such a figure on the Guinea-Bissau international. Franculino Dju has immense potential Dju came through the ranks at Benfica before moving to Denmark to join Midtjylland, where he has become something of a revelation. In just 17 Superliga appearances, Dju has scored 16 goals and registered three assists. The 5’11” striker combines his imposing frame with the mobility and pace of a winger to become a menace in the final third. A beIN Sports report described him as a “goal machine” with the potential to be a long-term No.9 at a big club. United should certainly be in the running for Dju, having monitored his rapid progress since last year. Furthermore, Midtjylland’s asking price makes him an appealing option for the secondary striker role at Old Trafford. Featured image Paolo Bruno via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!