Latest developments
- Man Utd are intent on signing Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG.
- United aren't willing to fund a permanent deal at the moment.
- Kolo Muani wants “to continue working”, rather than leave the Parisian club.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): French site high on detail
Manchester United are keen on a loan deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Randal Kolo Muani in January, with Ruben Amorim said to be an admirer of the 25-year-old.
The report comes from le10sport.com, who do not name their source, but are adamant that United have made contact and that they do not have the funds for a permanent deal at present.
Value (4/5): Loan deal won't hinder United's strengthening
A loan deal will allow the Red Devils to keep funds free for other January targets, though they will have to pay a decent portion of Kolo Muani's wages.
Those wages will be high, given Kolo Muani was valued at €80 million just before PSG gave Eintracht Frankfurt €95 million to sign him. However, Kolo Muani's inconsistency in Paris has seen that value drop to €40 million.
Suitability (4/5): United need more attacking power
Every man and his dog knows Man Utd need more firepower up front, so a centre-forward will be suitable as a short-term January acquisition.
An ability to play on either wing or just behind the striker adds necessary versatility that Amorim can work with.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Not a very high bar
The current competition up front for Man Utd is not exactly elite; Rasmus Hojlund has been far too inconsistent, and Joshua Zirkzee has been a flop.
Kolo Muani is an upgrade on those two, but with only two goals in 12 appearances this season, he isn't exactly streets ahead.
Logic (2/5): Randal wants to stay and fight
Kolo Muani's claim that he wants to stay and fight for his place might be his way of not fuelling the rumours, but making a contribution to another Ligue 1 title bid while PSG desperately try to save their European season could be more attractive than a mid-table finish at Old Trafford.
But maybe someone can tell him about United's fondness for a January loan striker? Could he be the next Henrik Larsson or Odion Ighalo?
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
From Kolo Muani's perspective, there will not be much risk in a loan deal. If it doesn't work out at Old Trafford, he can go back to Paris and fight for his place over the next three years of his current deal.
That said, there's not a lot United can offer him. In-form strikers are hard to come by, but perhaps United can set their sights higher than a player scoring one in six this season.
