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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Daniel Orme

Man Utd takeover situation gives Erik ten Hag £88m transfer problem

Manchester United ’s big-money move for France star Randal Kolo Muani is in jeopardy as the Glazers drag their heels over selling the club.

The Red Devils want to add a big-name forward to their squad ahead of next season. A number of players have already been linked including Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen.

Another option could be French forward Kolo-Muani. He has caught the eye in Germany this season with 19 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, whilst his performances were also good enough to secure a spot in his nation’s squad at the World Cup.

According to SportBILD, the Red Devils have made the ‘most concrete’ move for the 24-year-old although it is unclear whether they are prepared to meet Frankfurt’s €100m (£88m) asking price. The current ownership situation at Old Trafford is also putting a deal on ice.

United have been up for sale since November but a takeover does not appear any closer to being completed. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani remain the frontrunners and are thought to have lodged two bids each.

A third round of bidding is now set to be undertaken by the facilitators of a sale, The Raine Group. Uncertainty over the club ownership has seemingly delayed Ten Hag’s planning for next season - something that could impact a move for Kolo Muani.

Randal Kolo Muani has scored 19 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt this season (Getty Images)

Would Randal Kolo Muani be a good signing for Man Utd? Share your thoughts in the comments below

The young Frenchman still has over four years left to run on his contract with his current employers but has hinted he could move on sooner rather than later. Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: "We talk about it a lot already, but I try to be focused on my club.

'”We continue our performances and we will see this summer. Afterwards, I always dreamed of playing in big clubs.

"I thought I was going to need some time to adapt, maybe a year. But everything exploded. Either way, I’m ready for any challenge.

"I ask the club to get me my statistics on my matches each time. I share this with my physical trainer to know what to improve.

"I do a lot of goals and assists, but it’s not at the level where I should be. I still miss quite a bit. This is only my third season as a pro."

Away from Kolo Muani, one of his current teammates and a previous Red Devils’ transfer target could also be on the move. Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada was linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this year, while Chelsea are also noted to have an interest.

The German side have already announced that he is set to bid farewell to the club this summer at the end of his contract.

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