Manchester United transfer focus - Lewandowski's admission alerts Ferguson
As rumours gather pace regarding Sir Alex Ferguson's confidence of signing Arsenal's Robin van Persie - as reported by the Daily Mirror - another striker is being strongly linked to Old Trafford. Dortmund hitman Robert Lewandowski has admitted that he would like to play in the Premier League, and according to the Daily Mail this has put Manchester United on 'red alert'.
The Polish forward has been impressive for the German champions, scoring 30 goals in 46 games on the way to a league and cup double. He also linked well with Shinji Kagawa, who Ferguson has already parted with up to £17m to bring to Manchester. The manager is already blessed with options up front in Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, but with Dimitar Berbatov likely to depart and Michael Owen released, the Scot could be looking to add some extra firepower to his attack.
Van Persie would certainly do that, but does not fit the usual profile of United signings in the Glazer era. Lewandowski on the other hand is only 23 years of age, and possesses the goal scoring talents that Ferguson could require. He may also be a better fit for a United side that could potentially be upset by the arrival of the Dutchman, although the statement of intent would be significant in taking Arsenal's captain and beating rivals Manchester City to his signature.
Another player that United are being linked with that does fit the criteria Ferguson usually adheres to is 20-year-old Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen. The Daily Mirror reports the fee would be in the region of £20m, which is similar to the price paid for other young talents such as David de Gea and Phil Jones last summer.
The Danish playmaker is blessed with a burst of speed and two good feet, along with a deft touch and crisp passing. He impressed during United's Europa League ties with Ajax last season, and would be exactly the kind of player with which Ferguson is surely looking to eventually replace Paul Scholes. In addition, Eriksen has already endeared himself to United's supporters by rejecting the opportunity to speak to Manchester City last year as he favours a move to either United or Barcelona.
The Red Devils have already brought in Kagawa and Nick Powell during the close season, but with Darren Fletcher's prolonged absence set to continue for the foreseeable future, and Anderson's fitness throughout a full season a cause for concern, further reinforcement in the centre of midfield may be on the cards. Eriksen's desire to play in England for the Old Trafford club could see him fit the mould.
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