Manchester United have made an initial approach for Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, according to reports in Germany.
United are in the market for a new striker this summer and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who is set to have a £30 million relegation release clause this summer, is on Ruben Amorim’s shortlist.
United are also keen on Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has already played under Amorim, however, the 26-year-old is expected to cost at least £55m and has attracted interest from Arsenal.
According to Sky Germany, United’s preference is to sign a striker with a ‘younger profile’ this summer but the Premier League side are also considering Schick.
It’s understood that Leverkusen would demand a transfer fee between €25m – €30m (£21.4m – £25.7m) for the 29-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current contract.
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Schick is also said to prefer a move to the Bundesliga and has no interest in joining the Saudi Pro League.
The Czech Republic international has scored 17 goals in the Bundesliga this season – six fewer than Harry Kane has netted for Bayern Munich.
Schick’s future at Leverkusen looked far from certain at the start of the season as he began the campaign as back-up to Victor Boniface.
But Schick stepped up while Boniface was out with a hamstring injury and played a key role in Leverkusen’s attack during the winter period.
‘The first two months of the season weren’t ideal for me,’ Schick told SportBild in January.
‘I didn’t get much game time, so I wasn’t happy. But then Xabi Alonso and I got together and sorted things out, and since then everything has been perfect.
‘Of course, at the beginning of the season, it bothered me that I was getting relatively little playing time. I felt I could help the team and I wanted to prove it.
‘It was good for me, and I think for the coach as well, to discuss what needed to be done to make both sides happy. A lot has changed as a result.’
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