Manchester United failed to land any of their three top striker targets earlier this window, and now another key target has turned them down as per the latest reports.

United were targeting Hugo Ekitike, after his breakthrough season in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt last term.

The 23-year-old scored 22 times while registering 12 assists in 48 games across all competitions. His age and the fact that he was a boyhood United fan were all the more reasons for INEOS to push for his signature.

Liverpool emerged as surprise frontrunners, and as per The Guardian, the Old Trafford side hatched an ambitious hijack plan involving recruitment chief Christopher Vivell.

But despite Vivell’s best efforts, the Frenchman opted to move to Anfield.

“Liverpool have completed the signing of Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt, with the striker rejecting a late attempt by Manchester United to hijack the transfer.

“The France Under-21 international has joined the Premier League champions for a guaranteed £69m plus £10m in add-ons, having undergone a medical in the UK on Tuesday.

“Newcastle made a move for Ekitiké last week after missing out on Liam Delap and João Pedro but their £70m bid was rejected by Eintracht and the player made it clear his preference was to join Liverpool.

“United also received the same information when they made a last-minute attempt to hijack the deal. United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is believed to have contacted Eintracht’s sporting director Markus Krosche over a possible transfer but Ekitiké was already set on Anfield.”

Whether the story is true or created to please Liverpool fans is not clear as yet.

But missing out on another target is exactly why United could start the season without a new striker. Not too many elite names are left on the market, and those who are available will not come for cheap.

Fans are tense. Hopefully, INEOS can pull a rabbit out of the hat before the summer transfer window slams shut.

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