Manchester United enter chase for German international.
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David Moyes will look to make Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez his first major signing as manager of Manchester United, CaughtOffside understands.
A striker is said to be high on the new United boss’ priorities in this summer’s transfer market, with the futures of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez still up in the air.
Rooney has submitted a transfer request at Old Trafford after a difficult season which saw him often used out of position or simply out of the team altogether. Hernandez is also reportedly keen to consider his options after becoming the subject of interest from the likes of Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
United had been linked with the likes of Radamel Falcao and Robert Lewandowski, though the former ended up moving to Monaco for £50million while the latter’s future remains up in the air. It is thought that he would favour a move to Bayern Munich, though Borussia Dortmund seem unwilling to allow a move to their rivals, meaning bids from Premier League clubs could still come in.
Still, with Chelsea also competing for Lewandowski, United may go for a slightly cheaper option in Gomez. The 27-year-old has been unfortunate to find himself on the bench for much of this all-conquering season for Bayern. Despite limited appearances, he has still managed an impressivre 19 goals, and he showed superb form when he was first choice the previous year, netting 41 times in all competitions.
The German international is likely to seek an exit from the Allianz Arena this summer as he looks to play more regularly, and has currently been linked with Italian duo Napoli and Fiorentina, who could both face losing key strikers themselves in Edinson Cavani and Stevan Jovetic, respectively.
However, he would likely choose a move to Old Trafford if the opportunity came along, and United will try their luck with a £15million opening offer, in an attempt to blow another interested party, Tottenham, out of the water.
Spurs were said to have bid £7million for Gomez last week, though Bayern are unlikely to let such a big name leave for that kind of money, despite his current status as a backup player in their squad.
Moyes feels Gomez could form a perfect partnership with Robin van Persie upfront, as the Dutchman can play a deeper, more creative role in the side, while Gomez is a similar goal-poacher to United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.
His arrival would be the first big name of the Moyes era, with United so far only signing Uruguayan youngster Guillermo Varela.