Manchester United are reportedly leading the chase for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva, who is also a transfer target for Barcelona.
According to a report from Goal.com, Manchester United are ahead of La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Portuguese striker Andre Silva from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt this summer.
Silva joined Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2019, initially on loan after a troubled stint at AC Milan where he failed to live up to the promise that he had shown early in his career at FC Porto. Since arriving in Germany though, the 25-year-old has been able to turn over a new leaf. And after making a strong impression in 2019/20, his transfer to the Bundesliga club was made permanent.
The ongoing campaign has seen Silva take his game up a notch as he has plundered 23 goals in just 27 league outings, while delivering seven assists as well, leading Eintracht Frankfurt’s surprise charge for a top four finish in Bundesliga. This has now led to him attracting interest from a number of big clubs across Europe including Manchester United and Barcelona.
Manchester United’s interest in Silva makes total sense considering that the Red Devils have lacked a prolific No.9 in their ranks this term. Anthony Martial has underwhelmed big time while Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford have been used out wide more often than not by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Edinson Cavani has done well since coming into the club, but his deal runs out at the end of the season. Even if he does stay at the club for another year, the Uruguayan is a short-term fix at best and a new centre-forward must be a top priority for the Red Devils ahead of next season.
To that end, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Erling Haaland. But given the competition for the Norwegian as well as his massive valuation, someone like Silva can be a viable alternative for the Red Devils. However, they will have to stave off competition from Barcelona, who are also said to be keen on the Portuguese international’s services.
Barcelona failed to replace former superstar Luis Suarez after allowing him to join arch-rivals Atletico Madrid last summer. This has left manager Ronald Koeman with just Martin Braithwaite as the only out-and-out striker in the squad. Although both Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann can play as a No. 9, bringing in a proper centre-forward will be necessary for the club, especially with Messi’s contract running out soon.
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Like Manchester United, Barcelona, too, have been credited with interest in Haaland. In fact, the Catalans held talks with the Norwegian’s agent, Mino Raiola, not long ago. But given their financial situation, a move for someone more affordable like Silva would make a lot more sense.
Silva’s contract was believed to have a release clause of just €30 million. However, those claims have been rubbished, with the aforementioned report stating that there is no such clause or any sort of verbal agreement with Eintracht to sell the striker for the said fee. It further adds that the Bundesliga club are under no pressure to offload him either.
Nevertheless, the report does add that Manchester United are leading Barcelona as well Atletico Madrid in the race for Silva. It now remains to be seen if the Portuguese does end up at Old Trafford this summer.
