Latest developments
- Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani.
- The Frenchman is no longer in Luis Enrique's plans at Paris Saint-Germain.
- A loan with an option to buy is a likely outcome.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Major French sources in on story
Having been interested in a loan move last month, Man Utd are now keen on bringing Randal Kolo Muani to Old Trafford permanently in January.
That is according to one of the leading sources for French football stories, newspaper L'Equipe, with the story shared by Get French Football News.
Value (3.5/5): Initial loan deal?
A loan deal is still the most likely option, according to sources, but an option to buy or even a permanent deal up front are on the table, as PSG boss Luis Enrique does not see Kolo Muani as part of his plans at Parc des Princes.
United would likely be expected to pay a significant chunk, if not all, of the 26-year-old's wages, and PSG could be holding out for something close to his £25 million valuation – not cheap for a striker with two goals all season.
Suitability (3.5/5): United's style can work for him
Other than a handful of matches on the wings, Kolo Muani has spent his entire career at centre-forward, with not a lot of versatility to his game.
For that reason, as well as his below-par current form, there will be question marks surrounding his ability to cut it in the Premier League. That said, Ruben Amorim typically plays with one central striker, which will benefit Kolo Muani.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Similar numbers to United's options
Despite an uptick in form since Amorim's arrival, both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have posted similar goalscoring numbers to the Frenchman this season, albeit in a tougher league.
It is hard to say if Kolo Muani will make the position his own, and it's not a position the Red Devils can leave to chance.
Logic (3.5/5): Time to move on
No way of getting back into the manager's good books, it looks like now is a good time for a fresh start in a new league for Kolo Muani.
For United, the initial loan move lowers the risk, but they need a more prolific striker to build the team around, not a stop-gap forward.
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
Plenty of plusses for Kolo Muani, but this is a risky move for United, even if the sources suggest such a move is already on the horizon.
