Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly leading the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani.
The 24-year-old joined the Bundesliga club last summer on a free transfer from Nantes and has since elevated his game to new heights following an impressive 2022-23 campaign in front of goal.
Indeed, Kolo Muani scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists in 46 appearances for Frankfurt across all competitions and has caught the eye of a number of top European clubs ahead of the new season.
The France international still has four years remaining on his contract with Frankfurt, but that has not stopped the rumour mill linking the in-demand forward with a summer exit.
Kolo Muani has opened the door to a potential exit ahead of the 2023-24 season after stating that he is keen to represent the "big clubs".
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The forward has also expressed his desire to fulfil his 'dream' of playing in the Premier League, which seemingly provides a boost to Man United in their pursuit of the Frankfurt star.
Although both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have been credited with an interest in Kolo Muani, L'Equipe reports that Man United and Bayern are the current frontrunners for his signature.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag is hoping to recruit a new centre-forward this summer, although the pursuit of top target Harry Kane appears to have hit a stumbling block in recent weeks.
Recent reports have indicated that the Red Devils are prepared to pull out of the race for sign the Tottenham Hotspur talisman, but it is thought that a proposed deal could be revived should the 29-year-old hand in a transfer request.
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In the meantime, Man United have drawn up a list of alternatives including Kolo Muani as well as Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund and Benfica's Goncalo Ramos.
It is understood that Ten Hag's side have been given the green light by Ramos's agent to pursue the 21-year-old this summer, but the prospect of luring Hojlund to Old Trafford could prove challenging as Atalanta allegedly value the Danish striker at £86m.
Meanwhile, Bayern are also on the lookout for a new centre-forward as they are yet to replace Robert Lewandowski who was allowed to join Barcelona last summer.
The perennial Bundesliga winners remain hopeful in their quest to recruit Kolo Muani, with one report claiming that the Frenchman is prepared to turn down a move to Man United in favour of joining the German giants.
Bayern have also been credited with an interest in Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen, although the club's former CEO Oliver Kahn suggested earlier this year that they will not move for the latter this summer.
Oliver Thomas
