Manchester United are reportedly taking a keen interest in Aleksandr Golovin, with the Red Devils eyeing a £15 million summer deal for the CSKA Moscow star.
According to an exclusive report from The Sun, Manchester United are lining up a summer move for Aleksandr Golovin to replace Juan Mata in the midfield for the upcoming season. The Red Devils are plotting a £15 million bid for the CSKA Moscow and Russia star after the World Cup.
Jose Mourinho was in the stands for the friendly between Austria and Russia, with Marko Arnautovic thought to be the centre of attention. And while the Manchester United target lead Austria to a narrow 1-0 win over the World Cup hosts, The Sun reveal that the manager was in the stands scouting Aleksandr Golovin.
Golovin has just turned 22, but his stock has been on the rise for two seasons now. Widely regarded as the poster boy of Russian football and likely to be the influencer in Russia’s chances at the World Cup, Golovin has been linked with a move to the big leagues for a while.
Arsenal were the club touted to be in pole position to land the CSKA Moscow star. But, the rumours have since taken a backseat, with Manchester United the latest Premier League club linked with the Russian playmaker.
Golovin has the ability to be deployed in a central midfield role, but has often been seen to be more comfortable in a number 10 role, which is where Mourinho is looking to fit the CSKA Moscow star in as a potential replacement for Juan Mata, who has often been deployed on the right by the Portuguese.
But, should United pursue Golovin, they can strengthen their depth in central midfield while also being able to find a number 10 for the team, which has been lacking since the departure of Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. United have been linked to Jack Grealish as well, but could be priced out of a move, with Aston Villa likely to ask for a hefty fee to let go of their prized possession.
Golovin, on the other hand, will be available for around £15 million, which could prove to be a bargain for a player of his quality, considering his age and the fact that he still has three years left on his CSKA Moscow contract.
A lot will depend on Golovin’s performance in Russia though. But, chances are, we could see him head straight to England after his World Cup campaign, with Manchester United likely to be the destination.
