According to reports from The Telegraph, Manchester United are leading the pack in the race to sign Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez.
The 22-year-old moved to St. James’ Park in summer 2014 after bagging 17 goals in 50 league appearances for Tenerife – allegedly snubbing interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in the process.
He’s gone on to net ten times in 46 Premier League appearances, including the winner against Bournemouth on Saturday, accumulating a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the division.
Reports earlier this week revealed interest from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur whilst The Telegraph moot Arsenal as potential suitors, with all three clubs believed to be tracking the Spain U21’s progress.
But the British newspaper put Manchester United at the front of the queue, claiming the Red Devils are ‘thought to be the keenest’ on Perez, having already scouted him on numerous occasions this term, with a January bid potentially on the cards.
The news perhaps comes as no surprise, considering United have scored the least goals of any side in the Premier League’s top seven this season. Only four of their players have scored two league goals or more, with strike-force Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial netting just five times in a combined 18 starts.
However, The Telegraph warn that Newcastle’s lowly league standing of 17th place could see the club refuse to sell in the coming transfer window – or at the very least, demand a January premium on the young striker.