Eintracht Frankfurt has played down reports linking Randal Kolo Muani with Manchester United as they are yet to hear from the Premier League giants regarding their £80 million-rated France international.

Who are you and what have you done with Manchester United?

A clear, coherent transfer strategy. Long-term plans coming home to roost. Moves being done well in advance of the window, rather than the annual, last-gasp ‘Supermarket sweep’ approach which came to epitomise the maddening instability of the Glazer years.

This is not the United we know and, occasionally, love.

After The Guardian reported on Wednesday night that Erik ten Hag’s side had agreed personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, The Athletic add that director of football John Murtaugh has held ‘detailed talks’ with two strikers who – while not quite as enthralling as a Harry Kane or a Victor Osimhen – should still represent a substantial upgrade on those who came before them at Old Trafford.

 

Rasmus Hojlund, 18 goals for club and country this term for Atalanta and Denmark, is a self-professed Man United fanatic and viewed as the more likely addition of the two. The Manchester Evening News go as far as to claim that Hojlund has already held talks with Ten Hag via a video call.

Kolo Muani, in contrast, feels like a far more complicated deal. And not just because Frankfurt reportedly want a minimum of £80 million.

Which striker will Manchester United sign?

“We don’t have to sell him,” Markus Krosche, the Bundesliga club’s sporting director, tells FAZ.

Krosche, meanwhile, insists that Frankfurt are yet to hear from Man United – or any of Kolo Muani’s other suitors – regarding a summer deal for a forward who has set up almost as many goals (17) as he scored (23) this season.

“There might be one or two interested parties,” Krosche adds. “But no one has approached us yet. It’s all speculation.”

Kolo Muani only joined Frankfurt last summer on a free transfer from FC Nantes. He is in no rush to leave the Commerzbank Arena either. Though the prospect of a move to Old Trafford would surely test his loyalty.

“It could happen that I stay for one more season,” Kolo Muani explained this week.

“I still have a long contract here, so there is always the possibility that I could become the top scorer at Eintracht Frankfurt.

“There will be another time to say goodbye. Now is not the right time.”