Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are preparing a mammoth £155million bid for Juventus’ Argentinian goal-machine Paulo Dybala. According to latest transfer reports from The Mirror, the Red Devils are preparing to raid the Old Lady for their most prolific striker.
Interestingly, the Italian giants have already revealed that the striker is in charge of his own destiny as he has no release clause in his contract. The Argentinian striker was rumoured to be interested in a move to Barcelona but do not count out the interest from Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old is probably one of the most underrated strikers in the world. When people talk about prolific forwards, you hear the names of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo; even Sergio Aguero finds a mention but what about Dybala?
He held his own at Juventus despite the presence of superstar Paul Pogba until last season and even countryman Gonzalo Higuain. This season has seen Dybala start brilliantly, scoring 10 goals in 6 games – the most prolific start in Serie A since 1994-95.
Only Radamel Falcao who scored 11 goals in 7 matches for Monaco has a better record than Dybala in Europe’s top-five leagues this season. No wonder then that Barcelona view him as their top target.
But United vice-chairman Ed Woodward has a good relationship with Juve’s general manager Beppe Morata having worked for Pogba’s transfer last season. Woodward has reportedly told Juventus’ top management and Dybala’s team that should the player decide to quit Juve, Jose Mourinho would love to have him at Old Trafford.
Barcelona will no doubt be coming back for Liverpool’s Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window or even next summer. Should Liverpool decide to part with their prized asset, it could mean an end to their pursuit of Dybala – two huge transfers are not possible for Barcelona at the moment, considering FFP.
United have no such problems and should be willing to match the asking price of Juventus. The only question though is Dybala’s intent, as it is being reported that Barcelona is his preferred destination. Will United’s interest change his mind? Possibly, yes.
