Manchester United are keeping a close watch on Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain as they step up their search for a top class forward this summer.

With 14 goals in all competitions this season, Wayne Rooney was Manchester United’s top scorer and Louis van Gaal is aware that he needs more firepower up front next season to become serious title contenders.




Radamel Falcao has already been the shown the exit door and with Robin van Persie facing an uncertain future at the club, Manchester United are in the market to sign a top class goalscorer.

A number of forwards are being evaluated by the recruitment team headed by Van Gaal and according to Corriere dello Sport, the Argentine international Higuain features prominently on that shortlist.
 


With 27 goals in all competitions this season, the 27-year-old forward is one of the top marksman in Italy and Napoli are keen to keep the striker at the San Paolo beyond the summer.

relatedNewsStory

However, Higuain wants Champions League football and Napoli need to beat Lazio on Sunday to qualify for the competition.

Failure to do so might convince the forward to look for greener pastures this summer and Manchester United have the financial muscle to prise Higuain away from Naples at the end of the season.

However, he still has three years left on his contract with the club and has a release clause of €100m, while he has also been repeatedly linked with Arsenal and Liverpool.

If Manchester United make a move for the forward this summer, they may have to fight off other clubs to get their man.

Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.