Manchester United could have the chance to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface for a fee of £42m despite the forward having signed a new deal with his current club.
The Red Devils are set to take on Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday evening at Craven Cottage, with the visitors residing in 13th place with just 26 points.
Boss Ruben Amorim will be concerned that his side have only scored 27 goals in the top flight this term, and that record is the joint sixth worst return in the division.
The club have been consistently linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, but the Swede may prove prohibitively expensive given he is reportedly a target for numerous teams across Europe.
However, Sky Germany claim that while Leverkusen striker Boniface has signed a new contract until the summer of 2029, the Bundesliga champions are willing to negotiate for a price of around £42m.
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Is Boniface what United need?
Boniface played 23 games in the Bundesliga last term, scoring 14 times and providing eight assists, helping Leverkusen achieve an unbeaten domestic double.
The 24-year-old has so far featured 10 times in the league this campaign - scoring eight goals - and has found the back of the net once in three Champions League fixtures.
United have already loaned out winger Antony to Real Betis this January window, and forward Alejandro Garnacho could be set to join Chelsea this month.
Marcus Rashford has also been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford, and it would be alarming if the club allowed all three to depart without bringing in fresh faces.
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Should United spend elsewhere?
Amorim's side earned positive results against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal in January, but have struggled defensively when they have been forced to be more expansive.
The Portuguese boss has lost six of his nine most recent Premier League games in charge, and suggested that the current United team are arguably the worst in the history of the club in the aftermath of his team's 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last Sunday.
Defensive reinforcement should undoubtedly be a priority in the upcoming transfer windows, and perhaps the Red Devils would benefit if they were to sign athletic centre-backs capable of covering large distances.
However, United wrote to fans earlier this week and warned that the club are at risk of breaching the Premier League's spending rules, and refused to rule out increasing ticket prices.
With the club under significant pressure both on and off the pitch, Amorim may not have the luxury of being able to address the team's issues in the transfer market, and could be forced to look for internal solutions.
Lewis Nolan
