Manchester United are reportedly plotting a player-plus-cash deal to formulate a move for Hugo Ekitike amid concerns over his price tag.

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are formulating a way to sign Hugo Ekitike, as they plan on a player-plus-cash deal to tempt Eintracht Frankfurt. The German side are adamant about the €100 million asking price for the Frenchman, with the Red Devils ready to give them a choice of two of their current stars.

Hugo Ekitike is expected to be one of the big topics of the summer as the window progresses. The French striker is coming at the back of a season where he had 34 goals and assists for Eintracht Frankfurt. A host of clubs have already expressed an interest including Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Ekitike is not likely to be Chelsea’s priority considering they already signed a new striker in Liam Delap. Moreover, the €100 million asking rate is a big problem for the Blues, which is also bothering Liverpool, who are still optimistic about the Frenchman.

Liverpool are in the market for a new striker and view Ekitike as a viable target. A report recently stated they asked Eintracht Frankfurt to delay a prospective transfer as they are angling a sale of Darwin Nunez. While Liverpool are in the mix, Manchester United seems to be taking the steps forward to make sure they are ahead of their rivals.

Manchester United are keen on Ekitike, with reports stating they have already been in contact with the player’s camp. However, talks with Frankfurt have not commenced, which could be because they might be eager to agree terms with the 34 G/A target.

Manchester United formulate an offer for Hugo Ekitike

Manchester United are also bothered by the €100 million asking price, hence, they are thinking about a player-plus-cash deal for Ekitike. The report states the club are willing to include one of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee in a deal, although there will be doubts given the different circumstances surrounding those players.

Zirkzee is leaning towards staying at Manchester United, and while the club are willing to offload Hojlund, the Dane is of interest to Inter Milan. Moreover, there will be doubts about whether Frankfurt would be interested in either of those forwards, as they might prefer to stick with their €100 million price valuation for Ekitike.