Manchester United are reportedly targeting a move for Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who has had a brilliant 2019-20 season with the club.
Immobile has been with the Italian club since 2016, having joined them from Borussia Dortmund.
As per Corriere dello Sport (via Transfer Market Web), Immobile has attracted interest from not just Manchester United, but also Newcastle United.
The Italian international is reportedly in discussion with his current club over a new contract as well. His current contract with Lazio expires in 2023.
Immobile has plundered 38 goals in 43 games in all competitions for Lazio this season, and 35 of those goals have come in the Serie A. The Italian, in his four seasons at the club, has an enviable return of 124 goals in 177 appearances.
Immobile to Manchester United – A smashing move by Ole?
Ciro Immobile has been one of Lazio’s most important players in the 2019-20 season, and has helped the club to a top-four spot. The 30-year-old striker is the top scorer in Serie A, four goals ahead of Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo.
(Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Immobile has thrived in Lazio’s 3-5-2 set-up this season, and helped his side push Juventus, in the Italian top-flight, though Maurizio Sarri’s side were too good to be caught.
The Italian could be a phenomenal signing for Manchester United and their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. After the re-start, Manchester United were the team in form, who had their front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Mason Greenwood firing on all cylinders, with incredible support from Bruno Fernandes behind them.
But, in the last few games of the season, the Red Devils’ performances tailed off. Some have attributed their dip in form to the number of games that the same team has played. Solskjaer needs depth in the side to help him compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Immobile could add depth, experience, and competition for places up top. The Italian comes alive in and around the box, thanks to his good positioning, movement off the ball, and his impressive finishing.
The striker is strong enough to keep defenders at bay and has the presence of mind to drift into empty areas of the pitch.
He is a potent goal-scorer, who could push Anthony Martial in the centre-forward role at Old Trafford, and given Solskjaer more depth in the attacking areas.