According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester United is preparing a summer swoop for Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, but Chelsea intends to scuttle any prospective move.

Although signing Wout Weghorst on a short-term loan in January, it has been widely reported that the Red Devils are interested in signing a fresh, productive center-forward to bolster their assault for the upcoming campaign.

Before the summer transfer market opened, Man United was connected to a number of candidates, Vlahovic included. Yet, it’s been reported that Erik ten Hag’s priority targets are Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jacobs stated that while signing Osimhen is a “very realistic prospect,” Manchester United may find it difficult to negotiate a deal for Harry Kane this summer. Jacobs claims that there is a “genuine opportunity” to sign Vlahovic next summer, thus United might step up their pursuit of him at the end of this year.

The journalist asserts that Chelsea, who are also planning a move for the Juve striker, would present the record Premier League winners with a stiff battle in their pursuit of the incredibly talented forward.

Battle

Jacobs declared:

“I believe that signing Harry Kane to Manchester United was never timely. Victor Osimhen is a very plausible option. As I stated last year, there is a real chance to sign Dusan Vlahovic this summer, so don’t count out a move for him as well. Chelsea and Manchester United are two organizations who have looked at Vlahovic.

Chelsea still hasn’t found a solution for their number nine problem despite spending more than £500 million over the last two transfer windows. As a result, it is anticipated that they will make a splashy signing in the summer, with Vlahovic emerging as a possible candidate.

According to reports, Juventus may let their top player to leave if they receive a bid for more than £70 million, which is what they paid for him last year. Hence, United or Chelsea will have to work really hard to land the Serbian in the summer.

But, Ten Hag’s influence on Man Utd this season has apparently impressed Vlahovic, who wants to play for the Dutch coach at Old Trafford. Man Utd would therefore be in a better position than Chelsea to entice Vlahovic away from the Allianz Stadium in the upcoming summer.

Nevertheless, Manchester United are now in a stronger position than Chelsea to earn a spot in the Champions League the following year. And if the Red Devils and Blues compete for this deal in the summer, it might assist the Red Devils convince the 23-year-old to sign with the team and defeat the Blues in the process.