Manchester United will have to shell out a record fee to land Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha this summer, with his release clause set above 100m euros, according to reports.
The Red Devils are keen to bolster their frontline, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial currently their only recognised strikers. They are looking to add a versatile forward who can both cover centrally and on the flanks, and had their sights set on Antony only for Ajax to price them out of a move for the Brazilian.
And, following fan backlash after attempting to move for Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic, rumours connecting them with a 50m euro bid for Cunha emerged. However, Atletico were thought to be unwilling to enter negotiations for the 23-year-old, who they only signed last summer from Hertha Berlin.
Now, as per Goal.com, any club wanting to sign him this summer would have to meet his release clause, which is reported to be in excess of 100m euros (£85m). Should Manchester United do so, he would become their second most expensive signing ever, behind only Frenchman Paul Pogba.
However, this is unlikely. The Red Devils baulked at the £80m demanded by Ajax for Antony, who was their first choice option, and there is little suggestion that they would be willing to shell out more than that on a second-choice.
Ronaldo offered way out
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been offered the chance to leave the club, provided Manchester United are willing to let him leave for free, with former side Sporting Lisbon willing to take him back to Portugal.
