Manchester United target Moise Kean has suggested his immediate future lies with Fiorentina, with Tuesday a pivotal day in his career.
The Italy international was in fine form for Fiorentina last season , scoring 19 Serie A goals and 25 in all competitions.
He joined La Viola last year after a poor run at Juventus, but his career has returned to an upward trajectory in Florence, with only Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui (25) out-scoring him in Serie A.
Unsurprisingly the 25-year-old’s form has attracted attention, with Manchester United thought to be interested in signing Kean this summer.
Interest is particularly high as a release clause in the striker’s contract with Fiorentina means he is available for a fee of €52million (£44.5m) between July 1-15.
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It is hardly pocket change, but could prove to be great value in today’s transfer market.
Kean has spoken out on his future ahead of that release clause expiring on Tuesday and it sounds like he is very happy at Fiorentina and not looking to leave.
Speaking at an event to unveil manager Stefano Pioli on his return to the club, Kean said: ‘I’m very motivated to move forward. Fiorentina has given me so much and has always supported me.
‘Now it’s important to return with renewed motivation and give my best for Fiorentina.’
That is not to say that clubs will not attempt a late move for the Italian before his release clause deadline, but the player does not appear to be pushing for a move.
A return to the Premier League now looks unlikely this summer, with Kean having a forgettable spell at Everton from 2019-21.
Moise Kean in the Premier League
Kean signed for Everton from Juventus in August 2019 for an initial £25.1m, before returning to the Turin club two years later.
His stint in England was underwhelming to say the least.
Apps: 32
Goals: 2
Assists: 2
Manchester United continue to look for a new striker, with their pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo continuing but dragging somewhat.
Two bids have been rejected by the Bees and a third is expected, but the player is reportedly frustrated with how long the process is taking.
The Cameroon international remains keen on the switch to Old Trafford and he is the Red Devils’ number one target, but negotiations have been slow.
Forwards such as Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin have all been touted as targets for the Old Trafford giants.
Outgoings are also proving difficult to sign off at Old Trafford, with the club desperate to get rid of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia this summer.
There is interest in the transfer listed quintet, but deal are not easy to do, with Rashford, Sancho and Antony on especially mammoth wages.
If Manchester United cannot shift their dead wood then revamping Ruben Amorim’s squad will be very tricky this summer.