As Erik ten Hag looks for a new number nine, reports are surfacing that Manchester United wants to interfere with Barcelona’s attempt to sign Brazilian sensation Vitor Roque.

What’s new regarding Vitor Roque joining Manchester United?
Even though the 18-year-old is thought to have already reached a “pre-agreement” with those at Camp Nou, the Red Devils are reportedly one of the “powerful clubs” who have gotten in touch with the teenager’s entourage regarding a potential summer swoop, according to Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo – via Sports Witness.

It appears that the La Liga heavyweights will pay €45 million (£39 million) to acquire the youngster from Athletico Paranaense, but United may still hold out hope given La Blaugrana’s continuing financial woes. It is unclear whether Xavi Hernandez and company will even be able to sign the promising striker.

This news comes on the heels of a 90min report that included the Old Trafford club in a growing list of potential suitors for the exciting forward this summer, though it is still believed that he is still leaning towards a move to Catalonia.

Just who is Vitor Roque?
Young Roque, who has been compared to his famous countryman Ronaldo, has “crazy potential,” according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, and seems to be a player who will shine at the top level in the years to come. The 5-foot-8 starlet is from Mexico.

The former Cruzeiro star, who Kulig also referred to as a “real diamond” and a player with a “huge future” ahead of him, has already had a stellar debut season at the senior level, scoring 22 goals and dishing out eight assists in just 65 games for his current team so far, after tallying six goals in 16 games for his previous employers.

In recent times, Ten Hag has expressed interest in signing Harry Kane, who is perhaps a more experienced asset, but Tottenham Hotspur’s refusal to part ways with the Englishman has forced United to look elsewhere. Rumours abound that Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund could be on his way to the Theatre of Dreams.

The towering Dane, who is only 20 years old and just beginning his first-team career, is similar to Roque in that he has yet to establish himself, but recent reports indicate that despite scoring just nine goals in the league last season, he could still fetch a transfer fee of around €100 million (£86 million) this summer.

As a result, Ten Hag might be better served by signing Roque for a much lower price if he’s looking for a young, long-term target to lead the line, and there still seems to be a remote possibility that the Red Devils can defeat Barcelona in the race to sign him.

The one-cap Brazil international’s willingness to work hard in the front row—as evidenced by his 0.96 tackles per 90 minutes on average over the past 365 days—would be a notable advantage over Hojlund, who averaged just 0.20 per 90 minutes during his time in Italy—would be a notable benefit of acquiring him.

Ten Hag has frequently expressed his desire to see his side “defend with eleven,” highlighting the significance of having a workmanlike figure in a key position, and his willingness to put in the extra effort would no doubt appeal to him.

In light of Roque’s apparent possession of that quality, as well as his ability to provide a clinical presence in the final third and Kulig’s description of his “defensive contribution” as “strong,” he could represent a desirable replacement for Hojlund heading into the following campaign.