Ten Hag sharpens Man Utd striker search as scouts are ordered to ‘follow’ Serie A star also eyed by Bundesliga giants
A report in Italy claims Manchester United are closely monitoring the progress of Roma star Tammy Abraham as their search for a new striker continues.
The Red Devils have been tipped to strengthen their striking ranks in the summer, with many names circulating as possibilities. Wout Weghorst was a shock January loan addition to help out Marcus Rashford but the Dutchman is unlikely to stay past the summer. Tottenham ace Harry Kane and Napoli hotshot Victor Osimhen have both been mentioned.
Kane, 29, looked for a Spurs escape route a few years back but remains in north London.
Another trophyless season may be the catalyst for his exit. However, Daniel Levy will not let him leave on the cheap
Nigeria international Osimhen has been scoring for fun with the Naples outfit.
The 24-year-old’s 19 goals from 22 games has helped I Partenopei move 18 points clear at the top of the Serie A standings.
The duo are reportedly top of the Old Trafford outfit’s wish-list. However, pundit Alan Hutton put forward Abraham as an alternative last week.
The former Aston Villa man suggested that the ex-Chelsea man would be ‘perfect’ for Manchester United.
And now a report in La Repubblica claims the north-west giants have a genuine interest in the hit-man.
It is said they sent a scout to watch him play against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Roma won that first-leg clash 2-0 although Abraham failed to find the net. In fact, he has not scored since Roma beat Empoli 2-0 on February 4.
Abraham still has much to prove
He did register an assist and, the report adds that United have ‘chosen to follow him more closely’ with their scouts now watching his every performance to ascertain whether he can cut the mustard for Ten Hag.
Having come up through the club’s youth system, Abraham made his first-team debut for Chelsea in May 2016. Guus Hiddink also gave him his home debut against Leicester City.
The decision was then taken to give the youngster some experience out on loan and he was sent to Bristol City for 2016-2017.
He excelled with 23 goals form 41 Championship outings and spent the following campaign with Swansea.
That was his first real taste of Premier League football and the Londoner managed just five goals as the Swans suffered relegation.
But he was back on form in the Championship the following season, with 25 goals for Aston Villa, helping them gain promotion.
Two seasons in the Blues first team followed, with 15 goals in 2019-20 but just six the following campaign.
Roma then signed him for around £34m and the rangy forward found the net 27 times in all competitions last term.
Things have not gone so well in 2022-2023 with only seven goals to his name. However, Jose Mourinho continues to show faith in the 25-year-old despite his lack of productivity.
Abraham is still relatively young and has time to make his mark in the Premier League.
Abraham has many suitors
Other clubs are also said to be on the case. Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund are mentioned in the La Repubblica article.
There is also thought to be interest from Everton. However, the Merseysiders are not exactly an exciting prospect at the moment.
It is not known how much Roma would want for the England international but it seems as though United will have cash to spend.
Erik ten Hag has managed to guide his charges to third in the table. And they have every chance of returning to the Champions League next term.
But it may be that the Dutch tactician wants a proven striker on board. Abraham has plenty of talent but is yet to show it in the Premier League.
