Man Utd ‘consider’ Van Persie replica with stunning summer move for Premier League star

Manchester United have been backed to ‘go big’ for a high-profile striker this summer as England captain Harry Kane is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have already added a frontman to their ranks during the January transfer window after Dutch international Wout Weghorst joined on loan until the end of the season. However, that is viewed as a temporary solution to a long-term problem for United manager Erik ten Hag.

Anthony Martial has been used as a lead striker during the season but has only five goals to his name and the former Ajax boss has utilised Marcus Rashford in a wide position with great effect over the first half of the season.

With a clear and obvious vacancy for an out-and-out number nine, Ten Hag has been linked with moves for the likes of Napoli star Victor Osimhen, Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram and former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele in recent months.

But Independent writer Miguel Delaney believes one option far closer to home could be explored during the summer months and believes a move for Kane would lead to talk of a comparison with the successful switch Robin van Persie made to Old Trafford 11 years ago.

He said: “It is well known that Manchester United will go big for a forward in the summer but the growing question is who. Erik ten Hag would favour pace, such as Victor Osimhen, but the player’s contract and Napoli’s canniness could make that an extraordinarily difficult deal to do.

“That is the sort of thing that is usually said about Tottenham Hotspur, but the growing feeling is that may not be the case with Harry Kane this summer. It will be two years since his attempt to go to Manchester City and Spurs’ hand won’t be as strong due to the fact he will only have two years left on his contract.

“They may not be as strong in terms of the profile of the club, either, with so much dependent on whether they win a trophy this season or get back into the Champions League. If ever there was a time to sell, with Kane 30 in the summer and just a year until he can go for free, it might be then. He would be open to a move to a resurgent United, and they would obviously investigate it again. They’ve had strong interest before.

“There has already been talk of how he could become another Robin van Persie figure in being obsessed with finally winning club silverware.”