Manchester United have been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea as the club search for reinforcements in attack.
The 27-year-old scored eight goals in 22 league games prior to the Bundesliga's suspension, also providing seven assists.
And he needed less than 40 seconds to get on the scoresheet as Gladbach got their season back underway on Saturday, netting a fine goal away at Eintracht Frankfurt with a low finish across the goalkeeper after bringing the ball down well during the build-up play.
According to Sky Germany, United have made contact with Plea's representatives, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperate to bolster his attack this summer.
Ed Woodward recently admitted the coronavirus pandemic would likely lead to significant financial constraints, however.
And ESPN reports Plea could be available for as little as £25million - significantly less than both Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho and Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
Here is everything you need to know about the Gladbach forward...
Career
Plea was born in Lille, France, and despite growing up nearby Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy, it was Lyon who spotted and signed the forward at 16.
But the forward had the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Nabil Fekir and Anthony Martial ahead of him for competition at Lyon and ended up just making 12 appearances for the club.
Subsequent to a semi-successful loan spell with second-tier side AJ Auxerre, Plea joined Nice in 2014, where he would go on to score 44 goals in 135 games.
Plea has since furthered his reputation as a clinical finisher, scoring 23 goals in 63 appearances for Gladbach after transferring in a deal worth around £22m in 2018.
Playing style
Plea is known for his versatility and clinical nature up top. During his days at Nice, the Frenchman found himself most often featuring on the left of a front three, Mario Balotelli being deployed in the centre.
The forward has taken to a more central role at Gladbach, however. At just 5'11", Plea certainly is not the tallest - but he is strong on the ball and regularly likes to run in behind the defence.
Additionally, Plea is equally as effective in his hold-up play; the fact he's already provided seven assists this season is certainly telling.
Plea would certainly fit in with the forwards United currently possess, with Marcus Rashford, Martial and Mason Greenwood all able lead the line or play on the flanks.
United may want to diversify their strike force, but Plea is certainly talented in his own right.
Will the deal happen?
The likelihood of any deal being made will heavily rely on the future of Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian has impressed since making his January loan move but will be heading back to China this summer as things stand.
The 30-year-old remains determined to stay at United, however, and while Solskjaer is keen to keep hold of the striker, Standard Sport understands the club are pursuing a short-term deal, rather than a permanent move.
If Ighalo does return to China, a move for Plea becomes more likely - particularly as United's primary summer targets Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish would all require significant investment.
Plea is certainly a viable candidate to bolster United's attack. Although perhaps not a name that will excite the fans, the versatile forward would add another goal threat at a significantly lower price than other targets.
