Manchester United have reportedly tabled a contract offer for AC Milan playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu, who will be a free agent in the summer.
According to a report from Italian publication Calciomercato, Premier League giants Manchester United have made an effort towards securing the signing of Hakan Calhanoglu from AC Milan in the summer transfer window.
The Turkish international has been with Milan since 2017 and after a slow start to life in Italy, he has grown into an integral player for the Rossoneri. Calhanoglu was one of Milan’s best players as they finished the last season strongly and started the 2020/21 campaign even brighter.
However, injuries have hampered his impact on the proceedings, with Milan’s form also declining as a result. So far, the 27-year-old has produced a return of six goals and eleven assists from 32 appearances across all competitions for Stefano Pioli’s side.
Calhanoglu’s contract with AC Milan runs out at the end of the season. And this has sparked a flurry of speculation on his future at the club, with a host of clubs, including Manchester United, taking note of the Turkish playmaker’s current situation.
Manchester United have Bruno Fernandes as their undisputed starter in the No. 10 role. Apart from the Portuguese international, Donny van de Beek is also an option, although the Dutchman has endured a difficult debut season in England and is already being linked with a summer exit.
Throw in the uncertainties surrounding the futures of Paul Pogba and Juan Mata, Manchester United could certainly do with another creative player in their ranks, thus explaining the interest in Calhanoglu. Not to mention the fact that he will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, which only makes the proposition more attractive.
And, to that end, as per the aforementioned report, Manchester United have already tabled a contract offer to try and lure Calhanoglu to Old Trafford in the summer. Apart from the 20-time English champions, the 27-year-old also has offers from Napoli as well as another unnamed Serie A outfit.
The report, however, mentions that Calhanoglu is intent on staying at AC Milan. But the two parties need to meet somewhere in the middle in contract negotiations as the Rossoneri are willing to offer him a package worth €3.5 million-a-year whereas the player is demanding somewhere around €4.5 million per year.
It remains to be seen if Calhanoglu and Milan end their contract standoff and shake hands over a new deal or whether the Turkish playmaker ends up securing a move to Manchester United at the end of the season.
