Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly keen on bringing back Bournemouth striker Josh King, who is also a target for Tottenham, to Manchester United.
There has often been cases where the incoming manager attempts to bring in some known players or stars from their country to stamp their authority within the squad. It could be the same according to The Sun, with Manchester United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who is looking to facilitate a return for current Bournemouth forward Josh King, who is also being tailed by Tottenham.
Joshua King, better known as Josh King, started his English footballing journey at Manchester United at the age of 16, joining from Norwegian club Valerenga. The forward though, never managed to cut it at Old Trafford. Lauded to other clubs on season-long loans, Josh King departed United without a single senior appearance.
The Manchester United academy graduate established himself as a worthy footballer in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers before moving to Bournemouth in 2015. Since the move, King has become a key part of what is a formidable squad built by Eddie Howe. With 5 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League this season, Tottenham have taken note of the striker’s pedigree.
Mauricio Pochettino has been looking for an able cover for Harry Kane and a player that could provide competition to Dele Alli in the number 10 role. Josh King is adept at playing both as a striker and behind, which means his arrival could solve both the problems.
January is a tough time to convince players to switch clubs. But, the lure of a move to a club of higher stature, which also offers European football and consistent contention for trophies could see Josh King agree.
Manchester United’s interest though, could change things considerably. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed as an interim manager till the summer after the club decided to sack Jose Mourinho. The Norwegian has been given a stringent budget according to reports.
But, the interim manager is keen on bringing Josh King back to Old Trafford. For one, the player is well aware of the winning culture that was established in the past under Sir Alex Ferguson and has lived it closely.
Secondly, it could just be that the interim manager wants to bring in a compatriot to imprint his own authority at the club and with Josh King having Premier League experience under his belt, he could be the best candidate.
The report iterates that Bournemouth value King at £25 million, a fee both Tottenham and Manchester United would not be hesitant to dole out in order to land the 26-year-old.
As far as Josh King’s decision is concerned, Tottenham are in a better state and will provide a better chance at trophies. Manchester United on the other hand, will allow him to live his dream of becoming a senior player for United while also returning to aid the club’s rebuilding, of sorts.
United are struggling upfront, with Romelu Lukaku not being his usual self at club level this season. The Belgian is being linked with a departure, which could leave Solskjaer with just Marcus Rashford. Josh King would be able to guide Rashford and instil the past culture and habits that were prevalent during the success days of Manchester United.
Everything depends on the string of fixtures leading up to the January transfer window.
