Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic would jump at the chance to join Manchester United, according to Football Insider.
The 23-year-old signed for Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt last year and had a solid debut season with 15 goals and four assists in all competitions. He has started the current campaign in brilliant fashion with six goals and two assists in just seven appearances.
His brilliant form has caught the eye of elite European clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, and Football Insider cite that the Croatian star would ‘jump’ at the chance to join the Red Devils.
A mid-season deal is unlikely on the cards but a transfer could happen in the summer. Matanovic ‘may not need to be convinced’ to join the Mancunian giants or any other top Premier League side next campaign.
Promising
Matanovic had his big breakthrough season with Freiburg last term. The Croatian struggled to make his mark in the German top-flight with Eintracht, but finally got his opportunity with Julian Schuster’s side.
He averaged only 52 minutes per game in his debut campaign, playing second fiddle to Lucas Holer. However, Matanovic has become the first-choice this season and has capitalised with eight goal involvements so far.
His exceptional start has grabbed the attention of United, who were already monitoring him over the summer. The Red Devils currently have Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as the specialist strikers in the first-team squad.
Sesko has been the regular choice upfront under manager Michael Carrick but has had concerns with his shin. Meanwhile, Zirkzee has hardly got the nod to start as the back-up. Carrick has often chosen Matheus Cunha and Byran Mbeumo as makeshift strikers.
Zirkzee was fancied to leave United for most of the summer and he could make way next year for the club to pursue a deal for Matanovic. Freiburg are unlikely to part ways with their prized asset on the cheap next summer.
It has been claimed that Freiburg could set an asking price of £50 million for the leading marksman. He could have been signed for just £30m this summer but could now cost a premium fee if he continues scoring regular goals.
Matanovic has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League. He is strong in duels and has a dominating aerial presence at 197cm. His hold-up play and finishing suggest he could evolve into a top-class striker in the division.
