Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has stated earlier this summer that a ‘surprise’ striker signing may be in the pipeline [via the Daily Star], and Goal report that Dutch youngster Memphis Depay has hinted at the identity of the player in question.
Depay, who moved to Old Trafford earlier in the summer, has spent time with Everton forward Romelu Lukaku over the summer and has posted a myriad of photos with the Belgian international in recent weeks and months.
However, it is this latest Instagram post that has led to speculation over a possible move to bring the former Chelsea man to Old Trafford.
22-year-old Lukaku is certainly a proven Premier League marksman and a player with great potential, who cost Everton a club record fee of £28 million back in July 2014 [via BBC Sport].
Goal believe that Depay’s ‘see you soon’ statement amounts to a ‘huge hint’ that Man United have set their sights on Lukaku.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has seen a number of his top performers linked with summer exits with John Stones strongly linked with a move to Chelsea [via the Daily Mirror] and winger Kevin Mirallas said to be a target for West Ham United [via Goal].
Lukaku moved to Chelsea from Anderlecht in August 2011 and despite failing to make the grade at the West London side, the powerful forward enjoyed two strong loan spells at other top flight outfits.
The burly marksman bagged 17 Premier League goals during a spell at West Bromwich Albion, and then racked up 15 goals in his initial temporary stint at Everton, leading to his permanent move to the Merseyside outfit.
Romelu Lukaku has scored 42 goals in 112 Premier League appearances, and this stat is all the more impressive when you consider that 28 of those appearances were from the bench.
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United are short on striking options, with Louis van Gaal electing to pass on the chance to sign loaned in forward Radamel Falcao on a permanent basis [via The Guardian], and after opting to sell Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce.
Lukaku scored a hat-trick against the Red Devils in what proved to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game in charge of the club, and the 20-time English champions may yet look to bring the Belgian to Old Trafford.