Transfer Talk: Guirassy deal would revive Red Devils' attacking threat

Manchester United are set to prioritise attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window — and Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy could be the perfect fit.

The Guinean frontman is enjoying a remarkable campaign having netted 17 league goals in just 14 appearances.

That hot streak has unsurprisingly piqued the interest of Europe's top clubs amid rumours of a £15.2million release clause in the 27-year-old's contract.

As Erik ten Hag's men prepare to face Nottingham Forest this evening, we assess how Guirassy could revive United's fortunes.

Rapid rise

Guirassy first arrived in the Bundesliga in 2016 with FC Cologne before returning to Ligue 1 with Amiens and then Rennes.

But he has exploded into life during his second spell in Germany.

His 17 strikes are bettered only by Harry Kane (21) and have come at a stunning rate of 1.45 goals per 90 minutes.

But the 12-cap international's expected goals tally stands at just 9.61 — meaning he is overperforming based on the chances he has been presented with.

This raises some doubts over whether Guirassy's scoring rate is sustainable, even if he is showing no clear sign of fading away.

Regardless, such a staggering return is proving impossible to ignore for elite sides across the continent.

Not budging

Stuttgart have enjoyed a sensational first half of the Bundesliga season going into the winter break.

They are third in the league and only eight points behind surprise leaders Bayer Leverkusen, having lost just four times.

That represents a dramatic turnaround for Die Roten, who finished in the relegation play-off spot last term.

But Guirassy could have already played his last game for the German side, with reports suggesting he has rejected an improved contract offer and is ready for a new challenge.

That would significantly dent the club's hopes of Champions League qualification, even if boss Sebastian Hoeness has dismissed the ongoing speculation.

He said: "It doesn't bother me.

"It's clear that I would like to continue working with Serhou for another five years."

Ready for Manchester

The lack of a consistent goalscorer has been a key factor in United's struggles this term.

Rasmus Hojlund — signed from Atalanta in the summer — has endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League, while Anthony Martial has had issues with form and fitness for a number of years.

Guirassy would certainly boost the club's weak strikeforce and could make an instant impact if they are able to get a deal over the line.

Ten Hag will be hoping to sign a striker sooner rather than later — and Stuttgart's No9 looks like just the man for the job.