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Man United, Liverpool 'involved in three-way fight' for Europa League hero

By Carter White | 26 June 2024

Everton reject at Liverpool? Reds 'embroiled in battle' for Europa League hero

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all reportedly keen on the signing of Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman, who is valued by the Italian club at £50m.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly embroiled in a three-way tussle for Atalanta BC attacker Ademola Lookman.

The 26-year-old stole the headlines on the continental stage during the 2023-24 campaign, bringing an end to Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten run across all competitions.

Facing Xabi Alonso's troops in the final of the Europa League in Dublin, Lookman netted a sensational hat-trick to secure a 3-0 success and subsequent European crown for Atalanta.

In Serie A, the former RB Leipzig forward enjoyed a respectable season in terms of attacking metrics, scoring 11 times and setting up teammates on seven occasions in 31 league fixtures.

While many of his clubmates fight for glory at Euro 2024, Lookman has already carried out his international duties for the summer, starting matches for Nigeria against Benin and South Africa in World Cup qualifying.

Atalanta BC's Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring against Marseille on May 9, 2024 © Reuters

Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea all in on Lookman?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, there is set to be a three-way heavyweight battle for the services of Atalanta hero Lookman this summer transfer window.

The report states that the 26-year-old has attracted serious interest from Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Although Atalanta are not actively aiming to offload Lookman ahead of the new campaign, the Europa League winners will part ways with the attacker for the right price.

It is understood that Gian Piero Gasperini's side are demanding a fee of at least £50m, an amount that Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea are willing to get near to.

An added complication to a Premier League move for Lookman is the future of teammate Charles De Ketelaere - it is believed that Atalanta are not prepared sell both of the attacking duo this summer.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on May 12, 2024 © Reuters

Man United's transfer priorities

It cannot be denied that the arrival of Lookman at Old Trafford would be exciting in some respects, however the forward might be not a priority signing for Man United this summer.

Following the departure of Raphael Varane, the Red Devils are very keen to bolster their backline, with an initial bid already submitted for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.

There is also set to be a change of the guard in midfield, where Casemiro is expected to leave, potentially to Saudi Arabia, while Christian Eriksen's place in the first-team plans has also been thrown into doubt recently.

Lookman would provide an alternative option for Erik ten Hag at the focal point of his attack, but the question is whether the acquisition of the Europa League hero would allow Man United to step up to the next level.