Manchester United and Chelsea have both made approaches to sign Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi, with the Belgian club demanding up to £43m for the 22-year-old. The approaches come as both Premier League clubs look to strengthen their attacking options before the summer transfer window closes on September 3.
United's interest follows their dismal 1-0 opening-day defeat to newly-promoted Hull City, which has sparked speculation that the club could make a late move for a new forward. Manager Michael Carrick has focused most of the club's summer business on midfield reinforcements, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos already arriving at Old Trafford and Carlos Baleba set to complete a £70m move from Brighton.
United's attacking concerns highlighted by Hull defeat
The defeat to Hull exposed United's lack of depth in attack, with £73m signing Benjamin Sesko benched for the opener due to a shin injury. Matheus Cunha led the line but struggled to make an impact, prompting criticism from pundits.
Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves urged the club to sign another striker after the match, telling TNT Sports: 'I think they could probably do with another striker option. I think that showed today, Sesko didn't start and Cunha played a little bit deeper. He's a 10, and plays very effective off the left.'
Hargreaves added: 'But I do think with Baleba coming into the team, it is a good squad and it is a top four squad, I just think they were at their best last season counter attacking teams. Today where they had possession of the ball they didn't look like scoring. I think it will be easier when the space opens up. Today there wasn't that.'
Premier League legend Wayne Rooney said Carrick's side 'offered nothing' going forward against a Hull side who conceded 66 goals in the Championship last season. 'United were dreadful in all positions, particularly up front. They offered nothing,' Rooney said on BBC's Match of the Day. 'There was only one team going to win. It's a worrying thing. You know what you are going to get going up against a promoted team. You need to match them.'
Tresoldi's impressive season attracts interest
Tresoldi shot to prominence after scoring 23 goals for Club Brugge last season, including a division-high 19 in the Belgian Pro League. The Germany U21 international, who has earned 24 caps and scored 12 goals for his country's youth side, is viewed as one of the most highly-rated forwards in Europe.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with Tresoldi, but the Spanish giants are currently pursuing other striker targets, giving Manchester United hope of a deal. Club Brugge are reportedly willing to sanction his exit for between €40m and €50m (£34m and £43m).
According to reports in Belgium, United have made an approach for the striker, but they are not alone in their interest. Chelsea have also made an approach to Club Brugge to discuss a possible deal, according to Voetbal.
Chelsea's striker situation and potential exits
Chelsea could be keen to sign a back-up striker for Joao Pedro as they look to cash in on both Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap. Jackson is valued at £65m and has attracted interest from Aston Villa and Napoli, while Chelsea want around £50m for Delap, who is a target for Everton and Ipswich Town.
The Blues have spent another £430m this summer, but 35-year-old Danny Welbeck is the only forward to join Xabi Alonso's squad. Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign on Monday night with a west London derby against Fulham.
While United are not expected to sign a new striker before the transfer window shuts, the approach for Tresoldi suggests the club are actively exploring options to bolster their attacking line. With the deadline approaching, both clubs will need to move quickly if they are to secure the Belgian Pro League's top scorer.
