Man Utd identify RB Leipzig striker who scored twice in dazzling display against Man City as top January transfer target

According to the Mirror, the Red Devils have reportedly decided to replace a misfiring Anthony Martial and a banished Jadon Sancho. And to fill the void they have zeroed in on Lois Openda who has been in the spotlight for scoring an impressive 14 goals in 21 games for Leipzig since his £35 million ($44m) move from Lens last summer.

It is understood that United scouts closely observed Openda's standout performance at the Etihad Stadium, where he scored a brace against City in a 3-2 Champions League group stage defeat. A senior United scout, who was present to evaluate Leipzig's French defender Castello Lukeba, reported back to manager Erik ten Hag about the goalscorer's traits which has made him a serious target for the club.

United have struggled to score goals this season as Marcus Rashford has been a shadow of his former self, scoring just twice in 15 league appearances. Whereas, summer-signing Rasmus Hojlund is yet to open his account in the English top flight after 12 appearances. Such has been the poor return from the forwards, Sofyan Amrabat jokingly suggested that Scott McTominay should play as a striker after his match-winning double against Chelsea.

However, Openda will not be available cheaply. His speed, direct threat, and goalscoring ability have made him a prized asset for Leipzig who now value him at £75 million ($94m). It remains to be seen if Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who remains committed to reshaping the club's recruitment policy, sanctions the budget for getting the Belgian striker after he acquires his 25% stake in the club.