Manchester United plot stunning €88m deadline day move for new forward

Manchester United intend to use the money from Romelu Lukaku’s impending departure to sign Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams, claims Spanish TV station El Chiringuito.

Lukaku is closing in on a move to Inter after the Serie A champions tabled an improved offer worth more than £70m for the United striker.

United will have until 5pm on Thursday to sign a replacement before the transfer window for English clubs shuts and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have been linked with a number of players across Europe.

Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic and former Tottenham forward Fernando Llorente have been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford to replace Lukaku.

However, it has now emerged the Red Devils have earmarked Williams as their top transfer target on the last day of the window.

Williams has a €88m (£81.3m) release clause in his existing Athletic Club contract and United are remarkably prepared to match it.

United’s chances of getting the Spain international for less than his release clause are relatively low given the Spanish side maintain all transfers must be completed through the buy-out clauses in their player’s contracts.

The Premier League giants endured similar problems when they signed Ander Herrera from the club in the summer of 2014 in a deal worth £29m.

Williams has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the past and his versatility to play right across the front line will appeal to Solskjaer.

The 25-year-old played a direct hand in 17 goals in 38 league appearances for Athletic Club last season (13 goals, four assists), his best return in a single league campaign in his career.