Manchester United have received a lightening bolt in their pursuit of Hugo Ekitike as the French forward’s camp believe Eintracht Frankfurt will fold on their prohibitive £85 million asking price, according to a report.

Ekitike, 22, has emerged as a key target to bolster Ruben Amorim’s forward line after a failed pursuit of Liam Delap and protracted negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres.

The France U21 international has enjoyed a stellar campaign in Germany, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 appearances for Frankfurt this season. But it is his all-round performances which impress even more than his attacking returns.

Standing nearly 6’3, Ekitike is a complete forward, capable of dropping deep to knit play with his outstanding technical ability, or using his deceptive speed to stretch defences in behind, despite possessing such a tall frame. His spatial awareness is excellent and his footballing IQ is strong. And at only 22 years of age, the scope for further improvement is considerable.

In short, Ektike offers the prototype of a modern forward, in the mould of Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak, who has taken the Premier League by storm since his £63 million switch from Real Sociedad to Tyneside in 2023.

Liverpool and Chelsea have both made advances to secure the Frenchman’s signature this summer, while Newcastle and Arsenal are also credited with interest.

But United have joined their Premier League rivals in the race for Ekitike after making contact with his representatives over a switch to Old Trafford. And a report relayed by The Peoples Person reveals Red Devils are also the only side to have established talks directly with Frankfurt.

The Bundesliga club are believed to be adamant they would not budge over their €100 million (£85m) valuation of their star forward, particularly after losing Omar Marmoush to Manchester City in January.

This would make a move to Manchester a practical impossibility with the Red Devils’ finances this summer unable to stretch that far.

A £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha has already been agreed while the club are locked in negotiations for Bryan Mbeumo at a similar price point. An additional £85 million outlay on a new number nine would prove too costly, even with sales to buttress the budget.

However, TBR Football reveals the representatives of Ekitike are briefing to his suitors that this demand can be compromised on, while stressing the 22-year-old’s preference is a move to England, having been a boyhood United fan.

“TBR Football understands that Ekitike’s entourage are telling his suitors that he can move for less than the €100m (£85m) price tag that Eintracht Frankfurt have placed on him. Ekitike is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League. However, a move to England is only said to be possible if his price drops.”

United are yet to engage in club-to-club talks with Frankfurt over a deal. But this signal from Ekitike’s agent of a cheaper-than-anticipated price may have convinced Old Trafford executives to accelerate a pursuit of the French forward, before one of their Premier League rivals does.