Manchester United are not wasting any time as they look to get ahead of their competitors in the race for Hirving Lozano, according to reports.
The Red Devils have moved in quickly on their target, reportedly making contact with PSV Eindhoven over a move in the summer. Negotiations are said to be underway, with the Eredivise club apparently holding out for a quite respectable total of £42 million – a relatively low fee for a potential world class player in today’s inflated market.
The price is surprising, given how wanted Lozano is by so many top clubs in Europe. The 23-year-old became hot property after a marvelous World Cup campaign for Mexico last year. He has been linked with several of Europe’s elite since then, with the likes of Napoli, Arsenal, Chelsea and even Barcelona showing an interest.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Calciomercato), Napoli were especially keen on Lozano’s signature. The Italians were reportedly leading the race to sign him, but United have stolen a march on them now.
The Old Trafford outfit have reportedly begun talks with Mino Raiola, the man who brokered the deal that took Paul Pogba, his client, back to United. Raiola is Lozano’s agent and given the good relationship between the Italian and the English giants, negotiations might go very smoothly.
Lozano also admitted to being a United fan year, further adding fuel to the fire about his proposed move to the Theatre of Dreams.
“It’s nice English papers talk nicely about me,” Lozano told talkSPORT’s Universe Premier.
“It’s special. Personally I say thanks for the nice words. I always try to improve and give something extra. I will keep on improving.
“I liked Manchester United a lot,” he said when asked about who his favourite club were as a child.
“In Spain my favourite team is Barcelona.”
United are desperate to sign a right winger in the summer. The club have not had a proper out and out right winger since Luis Nani, who left the club in 2015 – four years ago. Juan Mata has spent a lot of his time on the right wing as a result, instead of a more central attacking midfield role where he’s most effective. Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku have both deputized there as well. Again, both of them are players who are at their best when playing more centrally.
It is an urgent problem that needs immediate addressing, and signing a right winger in the summer holds top priority on United’s list of transfer targets. They have also been linked to the likes of Joao Felix, Nicolas Pepe and Jadon Sancho, but the trio are expected to command a very high transfer fee.
