Manchester United could reportedly be considering a move to sign Cameroon striker, Vincent Aboubakar, this month, as Erik ten Hag continues his search for a short-term, centre-forward recruit.
What's the word?
According to 90min, the 30-year-old is one player who has been 'mentioned' with regards to a possible switch to Old Trafford, with the experienced marksman among a list of names who United could explore in the coming weeks.
The report suggests that the Red Devils are prioritising low-cost deals as they look to strengthen their attacking ranks before the end of the window, with Ten Hag having stated earlier this week that there is a "need" to bring a new centre-forward to the club.
Aboubakar could well prove an attainable target having seen his starting role threatened at current club Al Nassr by the arrival of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Portuguese veteran the man that United are looking to replace following his somewhat acrimonious exit from the Theatre of Dreams back in November.
Ighalo 2.0
The signing of the former Porto ace could well have its benefits due to his impressive goal record, having scored 138 club career goals to date across spells in France, Turkey, Portugal and Saudi Arabia, while also netting 35 times in 92 games at international level.
The "dangerous" menace - as described by broadcaster Thomas Mlambo - notably put himself firmly on the map after netting twice for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, including an exquisite chip in the thrilling, 3-3 draw with Serbia.
Despite that goalscoring prowess, there will be no doubt concerns that the signing of the one-time Lorient man could well mirror the previous, shock capture of Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo, with the latter man having also been a short-term, January acquisition back in 2020.
Like Aboubakar, the former Watford man had also been plying his trade away from Europe's top five leagues out in China at the time of his acquisition, hence the bemusement at the Premier League side's decision to add the left-field choice to their forward line.
The Lagos-born machine - who was also 30 at the time of his move to Manchester - hardly disgraced himself in a red jersey with five goals in 23 appearances, although never looked of the quality required having failed to score in the league for the club.
As it proved, the current Al-Hilal man lasted just 12 months before making his return to parent club Shanghai Shenhua, with it hard to shake off the feeling that the loan swoop had merely been a sign of "desperation" for United, as per pundit Eni Aluko.
The hope will be that the club do not make what does appear another 'desperate' act with the signing of Aboubakar, with such a move unlikely to aid in the quest for silverware and Champions League qualification.