Bayern Munich star 'agrees' to become first signing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Man Utd
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on their first signing of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.
On Christmas Eve, INEOS founder Ratcliffe agreed on a deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils.
They'll take control of footballing operations at Old Trafford and are looking to implement a major overhaul.
United's current owners, the Glazer family, will take a backseat and let Ratcliffe try and lead the 20-time Premier League champions back to glory.
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Erik ten Hag's side have struggled in front of goal this season and their top scorer in the Premier League is Scott McTominay with five.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have three goals each, while Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial have one each. Antony and Facundo Pellstri are yet to open their accounts.
It's believed United are interested in recruiting a striker this month. They've targeted Bayern Munich forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as a short-term solution and according to German publication BILD per TEAMtalk, he's ready to make the move on loan.
Bayern aren't likely to stand in his way following the arrival of Harry Kane over the summer and the emergence of teenage forward Mathys Tel.
Choupo-Moting has scored two goals in the Bundesliga this term and most of his minutes have come off the bench.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano discussed the chances of United snapping up the 34-year-old, who previously played in England with Stoke City, in his column for Caught Offside.
He said: “Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting is one of many names being discussed internally. It’s nothing concrete, nothing advanced yet.
“Still, Bayern have Harry Kane and Mathys Tel as options up front, so obviously there’s not so much space for Choupo-Moting and Man United have been informed of his situation. At the moment it’s not a negotiation, from what I’m told, but it may become one to watch.”
United have already been active in the transfer window in regard to outgoings.
Donny van de Beek joined Eintracht Frankfurt on Monday, while Sergio Reguilon has returned to Tottenham Hotspur after United decided activate a break clause.
Jadon Sancho is inching closer to a Borussia Dortmund return after falling out of favour under Ten Hag.
United return to action against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Monday evening.
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Premier League, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Man Utd
Daniel Marland