Manchester United eye surprise replacement for Lukaku

Manchester United have earmarked Frankfurt striker Sebastien Haller as a potential replacement for Inter target Romelu Lukaku, claims The Daily Mail.

Lukaku has been heavily linked with a move to Inter after being identified as Antonio Conte’s priority in the summer transfer window.

Conte missed out on Lukaku’s signature to United during his time as Chelsea manager and is desperate to bring the Belgium international to Inter.

Lukaku is understood to be keen on a move to Italy and United are willing to sanction a move if they can recoup their initial £80m outlay.

Marcus Rashford has established himself as United’s first choice striker under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but the United boss plans to sign a replacement for Lukaku if he leaves.

United have reportedly identified Haller as a potential transfer target after his successful campaign for Frankfurt.

The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Norwich at the start of 2016 but is sensationally now on United’s radar.

Haller scored 20 goals across league and European competition last season and finished the Europa League as the WhoScored Player of the Tournament (7.72).

The Frankfurt striker struggled with injury towards the end of last season and the German side will rue not having him at peak fitness after being eliminated from the Europa League semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea.

Haller played a direct hand in 24 league goals in the Bundesliga last season (15 goals, nine assists) and forged an excellent relationship with new Real Madrid signing Luka Jovic.

Haller finished the 2018/19 campaign as the fifth highest WhoScored rated player in the Bundesliga (7.55) and won at least 59 more aerial duels than any other player in the division (201).