Manchester United are preparing a sensational attempt to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku this summer, according to Sport 1 journalist Florian Plettenburg (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Breakout season

Signed from Paris Saint-Germain having graduated from the club's youth system, Nkunku had been making steady progress in Germany by directly influencing 39 goals in 84 outings prior to the 2021/22 campaign.

However, the versatile attacker took his form to a whole new level this season, directly contributing to an astonishing 55 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, the upturn in output from the France international has prompted multiple suitors from across Europe to sit up and pay attention.

The latest: United keen on Nkunku

Taking to Twitter (via Sport Witness), Plettenburg confirmed that United are interested in signing Nkunku after the Frenchman was 'recommended' as a target by Ralf Rangnick.

He said: “Update #Nkunku: Yes, there is a good contact between #MUFC and the player's management. It is said that an official offer could arrive in Leipzig next week. United bosses rate him as very good. Rangnick recommended his transfer as reported. RB still won’t sell.”

The verdict: Sensational capture

Holding a market value of £58.8m and under contract in Germany until 2024 (Transfermarkt), signing the 24-year-old would be a superb piece of early business from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Capable of operating centrally and on either wing, Nkuku shares a stylistic likeness with such star names as Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, Manchester City's Phil Foden and Liverpool trio Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane (FBRef).

That illustrious company in terms of his playing style - allied with a remarkable 7.59 Sofascore rating (third highest in the German top flight) whilst completing 1.9 successful dribbles per game (joint-seventh highest in Bundesliga) - makes the prospect of adding a player of Nkunku's calibre to the Red Devils' squad a hugely exciting one.

Described by current Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch as a player with 'no weaknesses', the gifted Frenchman should certainly be considered a priority transfer target for Ten Hag and the Red Devils.

In other news: Man Utd are interested in signing one Serie A giant this summer, read more here