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Why Manchester United must plot a summer swoop for Alexander Sorloth

Turkish outlet Fanatak (h/t The Metro), Manchester United are interested in signing Trabzonspor striker Alexander Sorloth.

Gent's Alexander Sorloth pictured in action during a soccer match between Royal Antwerp FC and KAA Gent, Thursday 16 May 2019 in Antwerp, on day 9 (out of 10) of the Play-off 1 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship. (Getty Images)
Gent’s Alexander Sorloth pictured in action during a soccer match between Royal Antwerp FC and KAA Gent, Thursday 16 May 2019 in Antwerp, on day 9 (out of 10) of the Play-off 1 of the ‘Jupiler Pro League’ Belgian soccer championship. (Getty Images)

Alexander Sorloth, 24, joined Crystal Palace in January 2018, having shown great promise for Danish side FC Midtjylland. However, he failed to deliver in England, managing one goal in 20 appearances for Crystal Palace.

As a result, the Eagles loaned the Norwegian striker to Gent last season and was again on the move last summer to Turkey. Sorloth has been in fine form for Trabzonspor this season, finding the back of the net 19 times in 26 Super Lig appearances.

Fanatik (h/t The Metro) claims that Trabzonspor can make Sorloth’s move permanent for just £5.35m at the end of the current campaign and the Turkish outfit are likely to exercise that option if the 24-year-old continues to perform. Apart from Manchester United, Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Napoli are also interested in signing the Norwegian, the report adds. (h/t The Metro)

Manchester United’s French striker Anthony Martial (1st-R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on March 8, 2020. (Getty Images)

The Red Devils failed to replace Romelu Lukaku in the summer after selling the Belgian to Inter Milan. After Lukaku’s departure, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood took up the responsibility this term. The trio has contributed to 45 goals across all competitions with Rashford the club’s top scorer with 19 goals.

Following Rashford’s untimely injury, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced to act in the January transfer window and he brought in Odion Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua. The Nigerian has impressed since a shock loan move from Shanghai Shenhua and United are keen to make his move to Old Trafford a permanent one. (h/t The Metro)

Even if United sign Ighalo on a permanent deal, Solskjaer would still lack depth in the strike department. Thus, Solskjaer must prioritise signing a new striker before the 2020/21 season commences and aim to sign Alexander Sorloth.

Alexander Sorloth (Getty Images)
Alexander Sorloth in action for FC Midtjylland. (Getty Images)

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Sorloth royally struggled in his first season with Palace but has now regained his goalscoring touch in Turkey. The 24-year-old has scoring goals left, right and centre in Trabzonspor colours and his presence would be a big boost for United. The striker can get them the much-needed goals in the league if he is able to reproduce the same form next season.

Verdict

Going purely by his goalscoring exploits for Trabzonspor this term, United must take a punt on Sorloth, who would add the much-needed depth to Solskjaer’s strike department. The Norwegian’s prolific form shows he is capable of leading the team’s attack. He is young, energetic and can be a valuable asset for the Red Devils in the long run.