10 January 2024 , 09:55
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Manchester United will have to act fast if they are to sign Serhou Guirassy for a cut-price fee.
The forward has been heavily linked with a potential move to Old Trafford, given United's struggles in front of goal so far this season. The Red Devils have scored just 22 Premier League goals, only the current bottom two Burnley and Sheffield United have managed less, while big money summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has not made much of an impact.
United forked out £64million to sign him from Atalanta and the 20-year-old has scored just six goals in 24 games - only one of which has come in the league. Last season's top scorer Marcus Rashford has badly struggled for form this campaign, managing just three goals in all competitions, while fellow forward Anthony Martial has only netted twice.
As a result, United are considering bolstering their attacking options this month and Guirassy is on their radar. The 27-year-old has been in excellent form for Stuttgart this season, scoring 17 Bundesliga goals in just 14 games.
Guirassy also has a release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for just €17.5m (£15m) this month. However, Bild state that this clause is only 'valid until mid-January' which means United will have to act fast if they want to get the deal done.
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The forward is currently away with Guinea preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations, but was forced off with a knee injury in their friendly against Nigeria on Monday. Guinea are hopeful he will be fit for their tournament opener against Cameroon next week.
"He came off to avoid any risks," Guinea boss Kaba Diawara said. "We don't know how serious it is now, but it doesn't look too serious. I can only hope it's nothing serious."
Guirassy has scored 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games so far this season (Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)And Stuttgart's sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth has offered an update on Guirassy's future. "There has been nothing new since the last Bundesliga matchday," Wohlgemuth is quoted as saying by BW24.
"Our strategy is not to hope, fear and keep our fingers crossed. It's not a wish-for-you thing. We are constantly in contact, and if constellations arise that are favourable, then we will do it. If not, then not.
"We will keep our eyes and ears open. We're not under any pressure, but the squad situation is a bit tense at the moment."