According to BBC Football, Manchester United are on the verge of completing a £75m deal to sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.
One of Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho’s priorities this summer was to sign a new centre-forward following the serious knee injury suffered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic towards the end of last season, and he now looks set to bring Lukaku to Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old enjoyed yet another prolific Premier League campaign for the Toffees as they qualified for the Europa League last term, and BBC Football says United are hoping to seal the move in time for the Belgium international to join the team on their pre-season tour of America on Sunday.
The report adds that they have beaten top flight rivals Chelsea to his signature, and the addition would certainly be a statement of intent that Mourinho’s men are ready to compete for the prestigious Premier League trophy next season following a disappointing sixth-place finish last term.
Here are three reasons Lukaku will help United win the title for the first time since 2013…
Goals
Over the last five Premier League seasons Lukaku has guaranteed goals, and it will be the same if he completes a £75m move to Manchester United.
The 24-year-old has scored 85 goals in that time during spells with West Bromwich Albion and then Everton, and he seems to be getting better and better after netting a personal best tally of 25 top flight goals for the Toffees last season.
While Ibrahimovic was a consistent performer last term, the Red Devils sometimes struggled in front of goal without him – they netted just 54 goals in their 38 Premier League games – and there will be no doubt in Jose Mourinho’s mind that Lukaku will solve that issue next term.
He’s a talisman
Mourinho would have wanted a big personality and a physical presence to replace Ibrahimovic next season, and he will certainly get that with Lukaku.
The 24-year-old is growing in stature and confidence every year and he played a crucial role in leading Everton to the Europa League last season with his impressive tally of goals, and he could be hugely influential in leading United to the Premier League title too.
One of the criticisms of the Belgian was that he failed to do the business against the biggest teams in the top flight, but even that changed last term as he found the net against the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Relationship with Pogba
Both Pogba and Lukaku have the same agent – Mino Raiola – and they are known to be good friends off of the pitch.
That relationship could be significant on it next season if Manchester United are to challenge for the Premier League title.
The France international sometimes struggled to make an impression for the Red Devils last season following his world-record £89m move from Juventus, but he also showed some glimpses of brilliance.
If Pogba plays further forward next term he could link up effectively with Lukaku, and the duo could bring the best out of each other and United’s attacking threat could flourish as a result.
Do you agree, United fans? Let us know below.
