Manchester United have reportedly joined Barcelona and cross-town rivals Manchester City in the race for highly-rated Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus.
Despite having an array of strikers at his disposal, including new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has turned his eye towards young Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus. The 19-year-old was understood to be close to completing a move to City, and United’s interest could now give way to a bidding war between the two Manchester clubs.
In other Manchester United related news, youngster Guillermo Varela has completed a one-year loan switch to German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Manchester rivals set to tussle for Brazilian youngster Gabriel Jesus
Manchester City were on the cusp of securing a €32 million move for Palmeiras striker Gabriel Jesus (via ESPN), but it now looks like their neighbours have stepped in to make matters more complicated for the Citizens. According to Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror, Manchester United boss Mourinho has developed an interest in the 19-year-old Brazilian, but believes City still hold the upper hand in signing him.
Gabriel has been in sublime form for his club in the Brasileirão this season. In 14 matches, the young striker has already netted 10 goals and has provided another 4 assists, according to WhoScored. His blistering performances in Brazil have seen him catch the eye of many of the top European sides including Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
However, it seems that the La Liga teams have been priced out of the move, leaving the path clear for the two Manchester clubs. According to Portuguese outlet Globo (h/t Mirror), United are ready to beat City’s valuation of the striker by tabling a bid of €35 million.
Given the attackers United have at their disposal, a move for another striker seems baffling. Also, given the leaps Marcus Rashford made in the 2015/16 season, the last thing the fans would want to see is his progress being stalled. That being said, Gabriel could be a signing for the future and may be loaned for the duration of Zlatan’s stay at Old Trafford.
Guillermo Varela joins Eintracht Frankfurt on loan
Manchester United confirmed via their official website that 23-year-old defender Guillermo Varela has joined Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt on a one-year loan deal. The Uruguayan played a cameo role in United’s first preseason game against Wigan Athletic, but did not travel with the squad to China as he had to complete certain legal formalities before moving.
Varela was handed his club debut by Louis van Gaal on the 5th of December 2015, and he went on to make a total of 10 appearances for the side in his first season as a senior. His performances with the youth side have been noteworthy — his goal against Tottenham Hotspur clinched the under-21 Premier League title for Manchester United. The 23-year-old will ply his trade in Germany for a year as he seeks to continue his development with regular playing time.
