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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is Manchester United's key attacking target this summer, but if the club cannot lure him from Spain, they could opt to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane.
That's according to Guardian writer Jamie Jackson, who spoke to talkSPORT (h/t Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News): "United's number one target is Benzema, but if they come to the end of the window and United are still struggling to get a top striker, you might see them trying to push the Kane deal through."
Jackson's assertions come after Sky Sports journalist James Cooperwas told "Kane was not on United's radar last month but the Red Devils have now revised their stance on the Spurs forward." The Englishman enjoyed a stunning debut Premier League campaign, netting 21 goals, but it's extremely risky to snap a youngster up after one season of success.
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United legend Andy Cole believes Benzema's arrival would "definitely work," but that Kane is too inexperienced to make the step toward Old Trafford, reported by Mike Keegan of the MailOnline:
He's had a brilliant first season. But then can he come to Man United, and if it is true for £40m, and bring to Man United what Man United need?[...] I think the kid is talented. We have to be honest. He's had half a season where everything went for him. Penalties at the keeper and rebounds are coming straight to his feet.He's scored some goals but to take that leap—because your second season in the Premier League is always tough—to leave Tottenham and come to Man United and for Man United to pin all their hopes on him, for the money and if it did happen, that's a hell of a lot of pressure.
Cole certainly has some prominent points, but Kane's positive style of play and energetic nature continually put him in the position to receive strokes of luck.
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He is a constant threat inside the box and works hard to burst forward when operating from a deeper position. Kane's potential can be measured by the range of goals he scores; long-rangers, tap-ins, headers, composed finishes from inside the box and penalties.
That said, Benzema is a proven entity at the highest level, someone whose quality is easily overlooked at the Bernabeu. The Telegraph (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star) suggests the striker could be included in a swap deal involving goalkeeper David De Gea, who appears destined to join Los Blancos.
However, the Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman believes Madrid will open the bidding on De Gea at just £13 million due to his contract expiring next year. Benzema is unlikely to be included if Madrid are looking to low-ball the Red Devils, especially as Transfermarkt.co.uk marks his worth in the region of £44 million.
Williams notes Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in Benzema. B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently discussed whether the Gunners or United are more likely to sign him:
Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com recently provided a statistical look at Benzema, Kane and United's other potential options, tweeted via Football365:
Benzema's future remains uncertain now Rafa Benitez is in charge of Madrid, a man who may make Cristiano Ronaldo his central striker, according to AS (h/t Adam Shergold of the MailOnline).
The Premier League could be a profitable stomping ground for Benzema, who is built to dominate against the most physical of centre-backs. United fans may imagine his hold-up play feeding Memphis Depay and former team-mate Angel Di Maria, an interesting attacking trio before you even consider Wayne Rooney's role.
Boss Louis van Gaal has to get his next striker signing correct after the loan capture of Radamel Falcao produced just four goals during 2014-15. Benzema and Kane are exciting options, although the element of risk involved in the latter would see the pressure ramped up for both Van Gaal and the player himself
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