Manchester United do hold a “firm interest” in Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus, according to the Daily Telegraph reporter James Ducker.

The reliable journalist claims there is a possibility that the Red Devils won’t go for an “out-and-out no.9” making Kudus a genuine alternative to the likes of Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.

It is believed that Kudus could be signed for only £40m, which would make him a lot cheaper than the other two striker targets being considered.

However, he usually plays as a number 10 or right winger. He was deployed as a striker by Ajax on a number of occasions last campaign but it isn’t his natural position.

It would explain the Sancho false-nine experiment

After United deployed Jadon Sancho in a false-nine role in the friendly win over Arsenal, it appears that manager Erik ten Hag is seriously considering using that option next season.

Sancho did play reasonably well whilst playing out of position, but Kudus would clearly be a better fit if the team heads down that avenue.

United will have rivals for Kudus

Another trusted journalist, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, reported at the weekend that Chelsea have already held talks with Ajax about signing Kudus, with personal terms close to being agreed with the 22-year-old.

Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the player very recently, although it is thought that the Gunners may only be in a position to make an offer if they raise some funds through player sales.

United may, therefore, have to make a decision on whether to make a bid for Kudus soon. The club seem to be still focused on recruiting Hojlund at the moment, but they are not prepared to pay Atalanta’s asking price so there is a chance they could switch targets in the near future.