Manchester United are reportedly seriously considering signing an African striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, whose time at the club could end as early as January.
Since the off-season, Ronaldo has made more headlines for the things he has done off the pitch rather than his performances on it.
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The Portugal international first missed the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, and was believed to be seeking a move that would grant him UEFA Champions League football in this campaign. However, that endeavour failed and Ronaldo remained at Old Trafford.
After the first few games of the season, it became apparent that the 37-year-old had lost his starting berth under new boss Erik ten Hag as he was demoted to a fringe role, often coming on as a substitute.
This seemingly left the player incensed, and things boiled over in October during a game against Tottenham Hotspur, when the forward refused to come on as a substitute and stormed down the tunnel while the match was still in action.
This prompted Ten Hag to act and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was banned from first-team training and excluded from playing against Chelsea in the match that followed the Spurs game.
It was then suggested that a January exit was on the cards for the experienced marksman, and that United would be open to it if the right offer is made.
It now appears the Manchester club has actively been looking for a replacement for the former Real Madrid star, and according to French publication Media Foot, the Red Devils have earmarked Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as his successor.
It is claimed United are seriously considering the move due to the Cameroon international's versatility and experience, while the fact the they could sign him as a free agent at the end of the 2022/23 campaign is also understood to be a factor.
The Bavarians attacker has been a bright spark for his side so far this season, having contributed with eights goals and three assists in 13 matches despite featuring as a substitute in the majority of those fixtures.
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Bayern, however, are also said to be keen to reward with him a new contract, with his professionalism said to be highly appreciated by German boss Julian Nagelsmann.
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WATCH: HOW TEN HAG REACTED WHEN RONALDO INFAMOUSLY STORMED DOWN THE TUNNEL AFTER REFUSING TO BE SUBBED ON