United prepare blockbuster swap deal for £85m superstar by using Hojlund to drive down the price – report

Manchester United are considering trying to sign Hugo Ekitike by using either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee as makeweights in a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt forward.

Ekitike, 22, has emerged as a key target for the Red Devils after a failed pursuit of Liam Delap, who rebuffed United’s advances in favour of Chelsea, and protracted negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres, with the Sporting CP star believed to be leaning towards Arsenal.

Liverpool and Chelsea have both expressed interest in Ekitike this summer but United have now joined the hunt for the France U21 international after his impressive season in Germany.

Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances for Frankfurt, demonstrating a well-rounded skillset with a combination of speed, skill, and size.

United held talks with the 22-year-old’s representatives to gauge his interest in a move, as well as making contact with Frankfurt to “understand the player’s level of availability and what a potential transfer might cost,” according to The Athletic.

“The Bundesliga club have so far maintained that Ekitike, who turns 23 this week, will not leave for less than their €100m asking price, albeit they are willing to be flexible around the structure of a deal.”

A  €100 million (£85m) fee would likely prove unobtainable for United with a £62.5 million deal already agreed for Matheus Cunha and a similarly priced move for Bryan Mbeumo in the works as well.

However, a report relayed by The Peoples Person contends Ekitike’s representatives had communicated to his suitors that Frankfurt would be willing to compromise on this overall fee.

Similarly, Old Trafford executives are reportedly discussing a potential part-exchange deal to help drive the price down further.

Caught Offside reveals “Ekitike’s €100m price tag is expected to be problematic, but United are internally discussing how to get that fee down. Sources have confirmed…that a swap deal is not being ruled out, with United open to using Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee as part of their offer for Ekitike.”

This would present an ideal situation for the Red Devils in which they shift one of their misfiring forwards and receive an upgrade in the same position in return at a cheaper price in exchange.

Whether Frankfurt, or indeed either Hojlund or Zirkzee, would be open to the deal remains to be seen, however.

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