Manchester United have identified Dominic Calvert-Lewin as an alternative for top transfer target Erling Haaland after friction with the latter’s agent, Mino Raiola.
According to a report from The Athletic, Manchester United have turned their attention towards Everton and England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin after their chances of signing top target Erling Haaland took a hit.
Haaland has been on the radars of Manchester United for some time now. The Red Devils were beaten to his signing by Borussia Dortmund in January earlier this year but have continued to keep tabs on the Norwegian international who has taken the Bundesliga by storm.
However, Manchester United could now be forced to turn their focus elsewhere after the club’s relationship with Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, hit a new low following his comments on the situation of his client and Red Devils’ superstar Paul Pogba, on the eve of their crucial UEFA Champions League game against RB Leipzig.
The super-agent took aim at Manchester United and their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer while claiming that Pogba is not happy at the club and will soon be leaving the club. Following this, the Red Devils’ boss hit back at Raiola over his comments, leaving the relationship between the two parties strained.
Given how things are currently, this has reportedly affected Manchester United’s chances of landing Haaland, who is also believed to be on the transfer shortlist of fellow Premier League club, Chelsea. And, as a result, the 20-time English champions are shifting their focus towards Everton ace Calvert-Lewin.
The 23-year-old has been on Everton’s books since 2016, having joined from boyhood club Sheffield United and has gone on to make 150 appearances for the Toffees till date. However, during the past eighteen months, he has grown into one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Premier League.
Having bagged 15 goals in 41 games in all competitions last term, Calvert-Lewin has stepped it up a notch in the ongoing season, scoring 14 goals in just 16 games already. On the back of his impressive form, the 23-year-old made his debut for the England national team in October earlier this year and has scored twice in three games for the Three Lions.
Manchester United had made an enquiry for Calvert-Lewin this past summer itself, as per a report from The Sun, but were quoted a price of £80 million, which made them back down. However, with a move for Haaland becoming difficult now, the Mancunians are set to turn their attention towards the 23-year-old Everton star.
Anthony Martial hasn’t been able to live up to expectations in the No.9 role, despite enjoying a promising campaign last time out. And while Edinson Cavani has done well in the time he has been at the club, the Uruguayan is a short-term option at best.
So, bringing in a new striker in the summer or even January, when Odion Ighalo’s loan deal runs out, would be a smart move. It will be interesting whether Manchester United do launch a move for Calvert-Lewin in the near future.