A bargain for Man Utd! Red Devils told Jean-Philippe Mateta asking price with Crystal Palace star available for half the price they must pay to land Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres

According to The Mirror,United have been told to pay £40 million ($52m) for Mateta, which is half of the £80m ($103m) release clause of Gyokeres, who remains a top target for Ruben Amorim’s squad. The Red Devils have opened discussions with his entourage as they see him as a possible solution to their attacking woes.

United’s current financial challenges, compounded by their substantial debt, make it difficult to splash large sums on a player like Gyokeres. Instead, the club may have to prioritise budget-friendly options, such as Mateta, whose price tag may offer better value in the current market. The striker's ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play is seen as a key factor in his appeal, offering Amorim the type of forward who can integrate seamlessly into his system.

Rasmus Hojlund, who was brought to Old Trafford for £72m in August 2023, has struggled to live up to expectations. The Danish striker has scored only two goals in the Premier League this season and has found himself under increasing pressure from his manager. Whereas, Joshua Zirkzee, another significant signing, has found the net just six times in 41 appearances across all competitions.

With their focus on improving the attack, the signing of Mateta at a more affordable price allows United to strengthen their squad without compromising their financial stability. However, much will depend on how much revenue the club can generate from outgoing players, as United will need to balance their books before any major acquisitions.