Hakan Calhanoglu has reportedly emerged on the radar of Manchester United, who are considering offering him a bumper five-year contract.
According to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United have set their sights on Hakan Calhanoglu over a possible move in next summer’s transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights are weighing up the possibility of offering a five-year deal to the Turk, whose contract at AC Milan is set to expire at the end of the season.
Calhanoglu joined AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2017 and has since gone on to raise his levels considerably. The 26-year-old has not really had the tendency to deliver the goods on a consistent basis. That has changed since the turn of the year, with Calhanoglu now a pivotal player for the Rossoneri.
The Turkish international has started the 2020/21 season on a strong note as well, with four goals and as many assists in eight appearances across all competitions. However, Calhanoglu faces an uncertain future at San Siro, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season. And, keeping a keen eye on the developments surrounding him are Manchester United.
The supposed interest from Manchester United does not make a great deal of sense. The Premier League heavyweights did bolster the attacking midfield slot this past summer by signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax. The Dutchman’s arrival means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a couple of top class attacking midfielders at his disposal.
While van de Beek might not have been an instant success at Old Trafford, he is touted to have a bright future at Manchester United. And so, it makes little sense for the Red Devils to make a move for another player who primarily reprises the no. 10 role, although he can also play out wide.
The report, though, suggests that Manchester United are prepared to pounce on Calhanoglu’s situation at AC Milan and are willing to offer him a five-year deal that will see him boost his wages considerably. However, the player’s preference is to remain at San Siro, even though he is currently at an impasse with Milan over the terms of the renewal.
This stance could be a blessing in disguise for Manchester United, who can make other pressing areas of concern a priority instead next summer. For now, though, it looks like the Red Devils might be interested in making a move for Calhanoglu.
