'I've always admired them' - Man Utd target sends Red Devils 'come and get me' message in uncovered interview as club continue rebuild under Ruben Amorim

In an interview at the end of 2024, Ekitike revealed his personal longstanding admiration for Manchester United, which has now come to light once more after his words were reshared by reporter Florian Plettenberg.

"My favourite club as a child was Manchester United. I've always admired them," Ekitike told German broadcaster RTL in December of last year.

Plettenberg additionally reported that Manchester United are so far the only club to have made "direct contact" with Eintracht Frankfurt over Ekitike. Fellow suitors Liverpool and Chelsea are said to have only been in touch with the player's representatives, and not his club, up to now.

Whether Ekitike's childhood preferences and Manchester United's initial contact will put the Premier League club at any kind of an advantage remains to be seen. Ruben Amorim's side are seeking a new striker this summer after struggling for goals from existing frontmen Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in 2024-25. Matheus Cunha has already been brought in, while there is interest in Bryan Mbeumo, Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo as alternative targets.