Man Utd get green light to sign international striker who has been linked all summer - opinion

The is something of a tug-of-war across European football for an ever-shrinking collection of strikers with Manchester United struggling to pull their weight.

United are still as big as any club in the world, however, there is no bigger sleeping giant given the current slumber that they find themselves in. Champions League football might have provided some respite, however, Ruben Amorim will just have to do things the hard way.

Matheus Cunha has been persuaded to sign whilst Bryan Mbeumo has preferred United since the start of the summer.

Man Utd get Dominic Calvert-Lewin Bosman deal opportunity

One priority is to add depth and experience in the attack, but without any big money sales, the Red Devil’s boss is restricted in what he can do. The free agent market is an obvious place to start though with one player in particular sticking out like a sore thumb.

Minimising risk is key and Bosman deals always help if a transfer doesn’t work out the way that was expected. Pay a big fee and money can be lost if it doesn’t go well.

Having just left Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been linked with United and could be a name on Amorim’s desk to mull over and who could alleviate some of the pressure towards making a big-name signing.

The England international has well reported injury problems, however, the opportunity to pick up a player of his calibre without a transfer fee should be too good to turn down. He might not be a No.9 who could play 50 games a season and who United could win the league with, but as one of three or four central forwards, he offers depth and experience.

What has Calvert-Lewin said about Everton departure?

Calvert-Lewin, via BBC Sport, has confirmed his departure from Everton and it looks like he has had enough of the years of relegation battles: "After nine remarkable years I've made the incredibly difficult decision - together with my family - to begin a new chapter in my career," Calvert-Lewin posted on Instagram.

"This isn't something I chose lightly. Everton has been my home since I was 19 years old. It's the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man.

"I want to express my gratitude to all the managers and coaches I've worked with over the years and to my team-mates who have become life-long friends.

"The choice to move on was not simply about me, it was a decision with my family and we spent a long time considering together.

"We believe it's the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn't lessen the bond I'll always have with Everton.

"I'm deeply proud of what we've shared, fighting for this club when it mattered most, scoring big goals in crucial moments, wearing the shirt with commitment and pride.

"My hope is that I leave with your respect, knowing I always sought to uphold the values of this great club."

A player would never say that he wants to move to a bigger club, however, it is pretty obvious that this is what Calvert-Lewin is looking for. A lot of clubs need strikers and he remains a very good one who doesn’t need a transfer fee.