Bayern Munich and Manchester United are vying for Randal Kolo Muani signature
German giants Bayern Munich have reportedly joined Manchester United in the hunt for Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.
Muani, 24, enjoyed something of a breakthrough tournament at the World Cup with France in Qatar having been awarded a late call-up to the squad following the injury to Christopher Nkunku on the eve of the tournament.
The forward was decisive in France’s semi-final with Morocco, scoring their second goal just seconds after being introduced which, in effect, ended the tie while the African side were threatening for an equaliser.
His introduction late in the first half of the final against Argentina – eventually – turned the tide of the game.
He was hauled down by Nicolas Otamendi to give France a foothold in the game before Kylian Mbappe scored again just minutes later to send the game to extra-time.
But for some outstanding goalkeeping by Emi Martinez he likely would have scored the winner with just minutes of extra-time to go.
He then held his side of the bargain, putting aside his late, glorious chance, to keep France alive in the shootout.
Despite the interest of two of Europe’s titans, however; the report states that Muani has the intention to remain with Frankfurt until the end of the season.
It is said that their participation in the Champions League, with last season’s Europa League winners facing Serie A pace-setters Napoli in the last-16, is compelling him to at least see out this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s search for a centre-forward this January appears to have hit a bit of a snag after Besiktas released a statement denying reports that Wout Weghorst is, in essence, on the verge of a move back to England.
The Istanbul-based side club said in their statement: ‘After the match of our Football A Team against Kasimpasa in the Super League, there was a need to make a statement due to speculative news in the media about our football player Wout Weghorst.
‘The claim that there is an exit clause in our football player’s contract, stating that his contract can be terminated with a compensation of 2.5 million Euros in case of an offer from the Premier League, is fictitious.
‘However, the news that the player in question will leave the team on Tuesday is completely untrue. The initiative regarding Wout Weghorst belongs entirely to Besiktas Gymnastics Club.’
It comes amid openness from the Manchester United hierarchy and manager of their need to sign a striker this January.
The club are currently without any backup to Anthony Martial following the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month.
John Murtough, the club’s football director, told a fans’ forum last month: ‘As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we’re already well under way with our planning for next summer.
‘January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go. It’s no secret that we’re looking for a new centre-forward,’ he added. ‘We’ll see what’s possible in January but, as Erik told the media in Spain last week, we only want to bring in players who are good enough, and who will make the squad stronger.
‘We’re not going to sign players for the sake of making signings. You also need to remember that we invested over £200 million in the squad last summer and, as a club, we need to remain financially disciplined and compliant with FFP rules.
‘So, while we will be exploring options, I don’t expect it to be a busy January window on the men’s side.’
His performances are said to have alerted a number of top European clubs, with Bayern Munich the latest to join the hunt, according to French publication Telefoot.
Bayern Munich are in the hunt for a long-term centre-forward following the departure of Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona last summer.
The club have been linked with the likes of Harry Kane in recent months, with manager Julian Nagelsmann even going as far as to speak of his admiration for the Tottenham forward in a press conference.
