Erik ten Hag 'wants to bring Brian Brobbey to Manchester United this month'

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly hopeful of bringing Ajax forward Brian Brobbey to Old Trafford before the January transfer window closes for business.

The Red Devils are currently short of options in the final third of the field, with Anthony Martial's absence meaning that Rasmus Hojlund is the only senior centre-forward at Ten Hag's disposal.

Martial is set to leave on a free transfer this summer, and a new striker is believed to be a priority for the Red Devils, with a recent report claimed that Brobbey was still a target, having been strongly linked with the Dutchman during Ten Hag's first transfer window as head coach.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Brobbey is wanted by Man United's manager this month, with the two individuals said to have 'a high appreciation for each other'.

Plettenberg claims that Ajax will resist a mid-season sale, but Man United are planning to revisit the situation this summer if they cannot sign him in January.

© Reuters

The 21-year-old has been in impressive form for Ajax during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists in 25 appearances in all competitions.

Brobbey has nine goals and four assists in 16 Eredivisie outings this term, while he has three goals in eight appearances in the Europa League in the current season.

Ajax, who currently sit in fifth position in the Eredivisie table, have the striker on a contract until June 2027.

Brobbey came through the youth system at his current side before moving to RB Leipzig in 2021, but he struggled to settle with the Bundesliga team, failing to score in 14 appearances.

© Reuters

The forward headed back to Ajax on loan in January 2022, scoring seven times in 13 appearances, helping the Amsterdam giants to win the Eredivisie title, before rejoining the club on a permanent basis.

Brobbey was in impressive form for Ajax last season, netting 14 times and registering four assists in 45 appearances, but he is on course to improve on his goal total this term.

The Dutchman's arrival would increase Ten Hag's options in the final third, although it is still possible that Man United would move for another striker this summer, as Brobbey may be seen as a replacement for Martial.

Hojlund has scored seven times in his first season at Man United, including goals in back-to-back Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils are said to have full faith in the Denmark international, but there is an acceptance that he needs support in the final third of the field.