Man Utd set to launch £48 million bid for one of the world’s best attackers after Roy Keane praise

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a £48.5 million bid for a new attacker following praise from Roy Keane.

United spent a significant amount of money in the summer transfer window on defensive and midfield areas, with Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro joining for a combined fee of over £100 million.

Deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui took that spending beyond £150 million, while forward Joshua Zirkzee joined from Bologna for an initial fee of £38.5 million.

One position that wasn’t a priority for Erik ten Hag’s side was on the wings, with Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and the returning Jadon Sancho all able to play there.

But Sancho left for Chelsea on deadline day on a loan deal, with the Blues having an obligation to buy the 24-year-old.

Antony has still yet to force his way into United’s team, with his only start being in the 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley.

Although Amad and Garnacho are battling for game time, with Rashford beginning to get back to form, United may still be a man short on the wing by the time the summer comes around.

That is why, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United are preparing to trigger the release clause of Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams.

Williams starred on the left side of attack at Euro 2024, helping Spain to win the tournament with a series of dazzling performances.

The 22-year-old uses his searing pace to great effect, and he would represent a different profile to United’s current options.

Barcelona are also keen on signing Williams, with their interest described as ‘undeniable’, but their financial issues could prevent a deal.

The winger’s release clause stands at £48.5 million, it is reported, with United said to be aiming for a deal of their own next summer.

During Euro 2024, Williams received extensive praise from United legend Roy Keane.

Speaking on ITV, Keane said: “Pure quality. He has pace, you can’t coach that.

“When he gets one-vs-one against the full-back, he’s in all sorts of trouble.”