Man United accelerate talks to sign Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike

Manchester United have accelerated talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s sensational youngster Hugo Ekitike, as a sign of their seriousness to secure the signature of one of Europe’s young forwards.

United, who were reported to have entered the race to sign the Chelsea and Liverpool target just two days ago, according to Sky Sports, have swiftly made their intentions known to the player and the German giants.

United made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt to register an interest in the 22-year-old French striker.

The Red Devils explored the conditions of a potential deal for Eintracht Frankfurt star, with the German club demanding around £85 million (€100m) for Ekitike, who has four years left on his contract.

United have now sped up interest in Ekitike as talks intensify after Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres reportedly turns down the chance to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Amorim and United are focused on a mission to revamp their squad for next season, prioritizing the striker option, following a dismal performance by the pair, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who netted only four and three goals in the Premier League, respectively.

Now, according to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, United have accelerated talks in the last two days as they target the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

A striker is top on the list for Amorim this summer transfer window, after the struggles of Hojlund and Zirkzee in front of goal last season.

With Arsenal believed to be ahead of the pack for Gyokeres’ signature, this informs the Manchester chiefs of the importance of a move for Ekitike, who is also admired by rivals in the Premier League and in Europe.

Ekitike signed a permanent deal with PSG, where he initially joined on loan in 2022 before departing for a temporary stint at Frankfurt just half a season after signing for the Ligue 1 champions.

The France Under-21 international joined Frankfurt permanently for €16.5m (£14m) just last summer, but after hitting 22 goals in all competitions, the German club have placed a €100 million (£85m) release clause for his services.

Ekitike’s imminent move away from the Bundesliga this summer is no longer a hidden secret, as the player continues to be inspired by the prospects of playing in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

After a dismal 15th-placed finish in the Premier League and Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim will know that improvement is needed next season if he is to see out the rebuild project at United.