Man Utd target throws summer deal into jeopardy ahead of transfer clause deadline

Ruben Amorim still wants to add to his forward line after signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m and as Manchester United struggle to agree a fee for Bryan Mbeumo, Moise Kean as emerged as an option

Manchester United target Moise Kean has dealt the club a major blow after insisting he wants to stay at Fiorentina this summer – on the same day his release clause expires.

Ruben Amorim is eager to further strengthen his struggling forward line after already bringing in Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5million deal.

He has been attempting to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, but United have had two bids rejected for the player already and have been unable to agree a fee with the Bees – who are said to be holding out for £70m.

Mbeumo himself is said to be frustrated with the slow pace of talks and lack of progress and United could have to switch their attentions to other targets in the mean time as they look to have a new attacking option in before the start of the season.

Kean – formerly of Everton – has emerged as a possible alternative after a prolific campaign with the Viola that saw him score 23 goals, with a host of European clubs now circling for him.

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There was a window of opportunity for interested clubs to snap him up for a relative bargain of £44.5m this month thanks to a release clause in his contract – but that is only available between July 1 and July 15.

And on the final day of the clause being active, Kean has made it clear he is committed to Fiorentina despite the interest in his signature.

Speaking at the unveiling of returning boss Stefano Pioli, Kean said: “I’m very motivated to move forward. Fiorentina has given me so much and has always supported me.”

He added: “Now it’s important to return with renewed motivation and give my best for Fiorentina.”

The last time the 25-year-old was in the Premier League, he scored just four goals from 39 appearances and was subsequently sold to Juventus in 2021.

Other forward targets United are reportedly considering are Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is a free agent after leaving Everton, Chelsea duo Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, while Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic has also been mentioned.

Amorim is also hoping to offload a number of his unwanted stars to bring in more funds for his top targets – with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia all told to find new clubs.

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