Hugo Ekitike has made no secret of the fact that he has a soft spot for Manchester United, as the race to sign him this summer hots up.
The Red Devils are interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, but they are not alone after he scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Frenchman, as have Liverpool as they look to get rid of Darwin Nunez this summer and replace him with a new centre-forward.
Unlike the Blues and the Reds, Manchester United cannot offer Ekitike Champions League football, but they do have an advantage in the battle to sign him.
The former PSG forward has spoken in the past about being a fan of the Red Devils growing up, which could give them an upper hand in the transfer battle.
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Speaking to Eintracht Frankfurt club media, Ekitike was asked what was his favourite club when he was little and he did not hesitate in replying: ‘Manchester United.’
He also told RTL in 2024, via Sky Germany: ‘My favourite club as a child was Manchester United. I’ve always admired them.’
This is a boost for Manchester United, but a deal will still be difficult to do given the huge asking price Frankfurt have placed on the France Under-21 international.
The Bundesliga side want around €100m (£85m) for Ekitike’s signature, which would be an enormous outlay for a player not entirely proven at the highest level.
Last season was the best of his career as he scored 15 times in 33 Bundesliga matches and netted 22 times in 48 appearances across all competitions.
His only other double-figure return for a season came in his breakthrough campaign for Reims in 2021-22 when his 11 goals in 26 games earned himself a move to PSG.
Ekitike is yet to be capped for the France senior team and while he is clearly very highly-regarded by huge clubs across Europe, £85m would be an expensive gamble.
Sky Germany reported on Sunday that Manchester United are making their move for the striker and were the first club to make contact with Frankfurt over a possible deal.
Liverpool and Chelsea have also confirmed their interest but only by speaking to the player’s representatives and not his club.
What’s happening with Gyokeres?
The race for Gyokeres is still ongoing and Manchester United remain involved, despite Arsenal now being the clear favourites to win it.
The Sporting striker is hot property this summer, with the Gunners, Red Devils, Liverpool, Juventus and Al Hilal all still linked with the Sweden international.
Arsenal have seen an initial bid for the former Coventry striker turned down, but he is reportedly leaning towards a move to the Emirates and discussions are ongoing to get a deal done.
Juventus are still hoping to tempt him to Turin and Manchester United will be ready to pounce if Arsenal cannot agree a fee with Sporting, still hopeful of seeing the striker link up with former boss Ruben Amorim again.
Sporting want around £68m for Gyokeres although Arsenal are trying to negotiate that number down for the 27-year-old.