Solskjaer Personally Watched Man United Striker Target, Wants Fenerbahce Star As Rashford Alternative

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Vedat Muriqi of Kosovo scores his sides third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match between England and Kosovo at St. Mary's Stadium on September 10, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Fenerbahce star striker Vedat Muriqi according to the daily Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik.

Reports linking United with Muriqi are nothing new. The Turkish media has reported on Red Devils interest in the powerful striker since January.

However, the Fanatik claim that United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer actually watched Muriqi in person when England took on Kosovo at Wembley last October.

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England ended up winning the game 5-3 but Muriqi scored and provided two assists.

The report goes onto state that, the Norwegian manager views Muriqi as an alternative to Marcus Rashford.

Lazio, Fiorentina, Burnley, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also in the race to sign the 25-year-old.

Muriqi remains an integral part of Fenerbahce’s plans going forward and the Istanbul giants are only willing to part company with their star man for the right price.

Fotospor are now reporting that Fenerbahce want €50m for Muriqi.

Muriqi has been in impressive form for Fenerbahce since joining the Istanbul giants from Rizespor last summer for €3 million.

The target-man forward has 13 goals and five assists to his name so far this season.