Josh King (Getty Images)
According to a report from Sky Sports, Manchester United are set to make a fresh attempt to sign Josh King from Bournemouth in the summer. The Red Devils failed with a £20m offer for the Norwegian in January, and are now likely to revisit their interest in the forward.
King started out at the academy of Ramsas in Norway, before spending time with Valerenga in 2006. In January 2008, the attacker joined the Manchester United youth setup. However, he made just two first-team appearances.
And after loan spells at Preston North End, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hull City and Blackburn Rovers, he joined the latter permanently in January 2013. The Norwegian made 72 appearances for Blackburn, scoring 8 goals before joining Bournemouth in the summer of 2015. Since joining the Cherries, the 28-year-old has managed 48 goals and 15 assists in 163 matches so far.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have been in fine form for the majority of the campaign, while Mason Greenwood has also shone brightly in his breakthrough campaign. However, the Red Devils struggled for goals when the duo was out injured (at separate times) over the course of the campaign.
Rashford’s serious back injury at the turn of the year forced Manchester United to sign Odion Ighalo on loan in the January transfer window. This, after they had failed with a bid for King. Ighalo, since joining, has made an immediate impact, scoring four goals in eight matches across all competitions.
However, according to BBC, the 30-year-old Nigerian international is set to return to parent club Shanghai Shenhua in a week’s time. His loan deal expires on May 31 and Manchester United have failed to agree on an extension with Shenhua.
With his departure all but confirmed, it becomes imperative for Manchester United to add another forward to their roster, especially considering the fact that Rashford has been at his best when playing from the left flank.
And to that end, bringing back King would be a wise move for the Red Devils. Since joining Bournemouth, the 28-year-old has enjoyed a steady rise in reputation.
The 28-year-old may have managed just four goals in 19 Premier League games, but he bagged 12 goals in the previous campaign. Furthermore, he brings versatility to the table, with his ability to play anywhere in the final third of the pitch. This would provide Solskjaer with added options, thus increasing the depth of the squad.
With Odion Ighalo set to return to parent club Shanghai Shenhua, Manchester United need to add another centre-forward to their ranks to maintain squad depth.
To that end, King would be a wise choice. He may not be the most prolific goalscorer around but has plenty of experience in the Premier League. And having come through the youth ranks at United, he would know what it is to represent the club. Hence, the club revisiting their interest in the 28-year-old is a good move.
