Manchester City and Manchester United go head-to-head in battle for La Liga star

Manchester United’s poor form continued over the weekend, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side slumped to a 4-2 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. 

The result extended United’s winless run in the Premier League to three matches, and saw them slip to sixth in the table ahead of a potentially crucial game against Liverpool up next.

One positive from the game for United was Marcus Rashford, who marked his return after injury with a goal, although it wasn’t enough to prevent United’s second defeat of the league campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to make his mark on the game, and is now without a goal in three games in the Premier League.

With speculation about Solskjaer’s future building, it appears that the Norwegian is now plotting a move for one of Europe’s most talented young strikers, but faces a battle with a fierce rival for his signature.

Isak was part of Sweden’s Euro 2020 squad over the summer

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United will be joined by Manchester City in the race to sign Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak.

The report states that both Manchester clubs are prepared to meet the player’s release clause, which stands at 90 million euros after he signed an extension earlier this year.

City are keen on signing a new striker after failing to replace Sergio Aguero over the summer, despite chasing Harry Kane for the majority of the summer window.

Gabriel Jesus is now the club’s only senior centre forward, but Pep Guardiola’s side have still had more players score than any other side so far this term and don’t seem to be missing a striker whatsoever.

United, meanwhile, regard Isak as a suitable target due to his age, with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani well into their thirties.

Despite the player having signed a contract extension that keeps him with the club until 2026, Sociedad will be powerless if the player’s release clause is met, however the report suggests that a deal will only happen next summer, rather than in January.

The 22-year-old has managed double-figures for goals in each of the past two seasons, since joining the La Liga side from Borussia Dortmund in 2019.