Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Genk star, Paul Onuachu, as manager Erik ten Hag continues his quest for a new centre-forward addition.
What's the word?
According to French outlet, Jeunes Footeux, the former Ajax boss is believed to be an admirer of the Nigeria international, albeit with the Old Trafford hierarchy seemingly not in full agreement over whether to make an approach.
The report suggests that the imposing 28-year-old could prove to be 'financially accessible' for the Red Devils this month, with the Premier League outfit reportedly eyeing low-cost options to fill Cristiano Ronaldo's attacking void.
The piece goes on to add that with the striker having just 18 months remaining on his existing deal in Belgium, United could be able to strike a deal for a fee in the region of €25m (£22m), albeit with Aston Villa, West Ham United and Everton also named as potential suitors.
Ten Hag's next Haller
Despite not being a particularly high-profile name, Onuachu has clearly illustrated his "crazy" ability - as per teammate Rasmus Carstensen - in recent times, having proven truly prolific for the Belgian outfit.
The towering marksman boasts a ridiculous tally of 83 goals and ten assists in just 130 games for the Pro League side, including a remarkable haul of 15 goals in just 18 games across all fronts so far this term.
The former FC Midtjylland man now has an overall club career tally of 162 goals to date in 325 games, having proven himself something of a "goal king" of late, according to former Wimbledon man, John Fashanu.
Not only a clinical asset in the final third, the 16-cap menace would also provide that real attacking focal point that Ten Hag is seemingly craving, as a result of his impressive 6 foot 7 frame.
United's recent links to 6 foot 6 hotshot Wout Weghorst would appear to indicate that the 52-year-old is seeking a more physical presence to lead the line, offering an alternative to the current number nine option of Anthony Martial.
In Onuachu, Ten Hag may be looking to replicate the success he had with Sebastian Haller up front during his previous stint in Amsterdam, with the Ivory Coast international having thrived in that lone centre-forward berth.
The 6 foot 3 powerhouse would score 47 goals and provide 16 assists in just 66 games for the Eredivisie side after joining from West Ham in January 2021, notably netting 11 goals in just eight Champions League outings for the club.
After having utilised Dusan Tadic in a false nine berth in the years prior to Haller's arrival, Ten Hag showcased his tactical flexibility by reverting to a more traditional, out-and-out centre-forward, all while still enjoying success - having won the league title in each of the last two seasons.
Having that focal point in the forward line has clearly worked well previously for the United boss, with the addition of Onuachu potentially set to allow him to find his next Haller to lead the attack at the Theatre of Dreams.