Man Utd Weighing Up Brentford Raid For Second Summer Running With Igor Thiago Targeted

Manchester United have added Igor Thiago’s name to a long list of potential targets compiled by their recruitment department, SportsBoom understands.

The Brazilian, who has scored 24 goals in only 35 starts for Brentford since joining them from Club Brugge two years ago, is known to have impressed Old Trafford chiefs with his finishing skills and physicality for Keith Andrews’ side.

With Thiago, who signed a contract extension at the GTech until 2031 earlier this season, expected to be named in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup in North America and Mexico, The Red Devils could look to swoop before the tournament begins if Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who now oversees their football operations, green lights a move.

Although Ratcliffe wants to bolster United’s attacking options ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign, he is wary of becoming involved in a bidding war for the centre-forward having already designed big money bids for the likes of Elliott Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.

Brentford’s financial model demands they would consider parting company with one of Andrews’ star performers for nothing less than around £60million and the Bees are in no rush to sell the star, who is only behind Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.

But with long-term contracts now becoming par for the course at Premier League level, The Red Devils could spread that fee over the course of any agreement they strike for Thiago should their interest be firmed-up once the present campaign draws to a close.

They have already shown themselves to be capable of negotiating effectively with Andrews’ employers, having lured Bryan Mbeumo away from west London last summer.

Buzzing Bee On Radar

Aged 24, Thiago began his career with Cruzeiro before heading to Europe with Ludogrets Razgrad. 

His scoring exploits there earned him a switch to Belgium, before Brentford signed him for a reported fee of £30million.

United still want to strengthen their frontline, despite effectively securing their place in UEFA’s leading club competition following a 2-1 victory over The Bees on Monday night.

Thiago started that fixture, but was unable to find the back of the net for the fourth time in as many outings.