Manchester United are reportedly planning to be active during the January transfer window, with Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka emerging as a genuine target for the Red Devils at the start of 2025.
The Red Devils will officially appoint Ruben Amorim as their new manager on November 11, with the Portuguese set to arrive from Sporting Lisbon on a contract until June 2027.
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, the 20-time English champions are planning to be active during the winter market, with 'an affordable striker' wanted by the club.
Only Southampton (seven) and Crystal Palace (eight) have scored fewer Premier League goals than Man United this season, with the Red Devils finding the back of the net on just nine occasions in 10 matches.
Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be their dream target, with the Sweden international potentially following Amorim to Old Trafford, but a mid-season deal for the centre-forward would be almost impossible due to the numbers involved.
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Man United 'are planning to be active in January'
Alejandro Garnacho is Man United's top goalscorer this season with six, but their senior strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only netted three times between them, and the club will allegedly look to sign another forward in the January market.
Plettenberg claims that the club are also 'searching for a number eight', with Goretzka's situation at Bayern being 'closely monitored' ahead of a potential move at the start of 2025.
Goretzka allegedly has no current plans to leave Allianz Arena, but a departure in 2025 is possible due to his contract situation, with the 29-year-old only having a deal in Munich until June 2026.
The German has had a frustrating campaign to date, being restricted to just eight appearances, and he has only been involved on four occasions in the Bundesliga this season, with each of those outings coming off the bench.
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Would Goretzka be a good signing for Man United?
Goretzka made the move to Bayern from Schalke 04 in 2018, and he has represented the Bundesliga giants on 229 occasions, boasting an impressive record of 41 goals and 46 assists.
The midfielder has lifted five Bundesliga titles, two German Cups and the Champions League during his time at Allianz Arena, so there is no question that he would bring a winning mentality to Man United.
Standing at 6ft 2in and boasting an impressive frame, Goretzka would also bring a presence to a Man United midfield which does naturally lack height and power, so it is not difficult to understand why he is on their radar.
Much will depend on price, as the Red Devils will not be prepared to pay over the odds for the midfielder, but if a cut-price fee could be agreed, then he could turn out to be a very successful mid-season signing for the English giants.
Matt Law
