Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi before the transfer deadline. The 21-year-old was the top goalscorer in the Belgian top flight last season, contributing 23 goals and nine assists in all competitions.
Profile and background
Belgian sources claim United are tracking Tresoldi, who fits the profile admired by the club's data department. He scored in the Champions League against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Monaco, proving he can perform at a high level. Despite being born in Italy, he moved to Germany at 13 and played for Hannover's academy, making him eligible for the German national team.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann said of Tresoldi: "Nicolo Tresoldi was very, very close to making the squad. He's not a classic target man, but a classic striker. He was extremely close, but ultimately he didn't make the squad because we would have had to leave someone else out. That's not easy." Nagelsmann added that his chance would come.
Transfer situation
Roma have reportedly submitted a bid worth up to €35m (£29m) for Tresoldi. United are in a position to better that offer with a more favourable financial package, including more money up front and potential add-ons, without breaking the bank. An up-front bid of around £35m is thought to be enough to prise him away from Club Brugge.
Club Brugge do not want to lose Tresoldi this summer, but local press believes the player's head could be turned before the deadline.
United's striker needs
Benjamin Sesko is currently United's only senior recognised striker, and the club could play over 60 games next season. While Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Matheus Cunha can play centrally, they are not natural strikers. Joshua Zirkzee has started up front in pre-season but tends to drop deep rather than run into the box.
Tresoldi is a proper centre-forward at 6ft 1in, with intelligent movement and a ruthless finish, most of his goals coming from inside the box. United's recruitment strategy focuses on market value, signing talent before they become £100m players, and Tresoldi fits that bill as his valuation could rocket in the coming years.
Supporters have urged the club to make a late bid for Danny Welbeck, but a younger striker like Tresoldi, with his best years ahead, makes long-term sense for Michael Carrick's tenure.
