Manchester United, Newcastle-linked Serhou Guirassy 'rejects new Stuttgart deal'

Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy has reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign a new contract.

Ahead of 2023-24, Guirassy has failed to produced a particularly notable campaign during his career, his best return being the 11 strikes that he scored on loan at Stuttgart last season.

However, the Guinea international is now viewed as one of the most sought-after strikers plying their trade in Europe courtesy of his performances since August.

Despite a hamstring injury threatening to hinder his form at one stage, the Guinea international has contributed 16 goals and one assist from just 12 appearances in the Bundesliga.

While Guirassy possesses a contract with Stuttgart, a team chasing Champions League qualification, until 2026, a release clause of £17.5m complicates matters for the German side.

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Although that was initially taken out in the belief that interested teams would have to spend over the odds to sign the 27-year-old, it has since become clear that the option in his contract is an attractive one to other clubs.

Officials at Stuttgart have naturally been attempting to negotiating a new deal with Guirassy ahead of teams meeting the aforementioned fee next month.

Nevertheless, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Guirassy has rejected the chance to pen fresh terms and remove his release clause.

Falk suggests that Guirassy plans to take on a new challenge at the turn of the year, providing that proposals are put forward to him as expected.

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Manchester United, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are all allegedly monitoring the situation, the former two having to work towards remaining within FFP criteria.

Fulham and Roma have also been credited with an interest in Guirassy since he first hit the headlines earlier in the season, scoring eight goals - including two hat-tricks - over a four-game period.

As well as now scoring 31 goals in 55 Bundesliga games throughout his career, he also chipped in with 31 strikes across 109 appearances in Ligue 1, the majority coming at Rennes.

Should Guirassy depart Stuttgart, it would come as a major blow to a club that currently holds a six-point advantage in the race for Champions League qualification, the Reds also just five points adrift of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen after finishing down in 16th during 2022-23.