Manchester United are weighing up a move for Real Madrid forward Endrick as INEOS looks to strengthen its attacking options this summer.
The 20-year-old Brazilian has been identified as a potential addition before the transfer window closes, with TEAMtalk reporting that United have held talks with the player’s representatives.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in Endrick, though Real Madrid are currently only willing to sanction a loan deal for the young forward.
United’s attacking rebuild began in earnest last summer when INEOS splashed £200m to bring in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, who combined for 32 Premier League goals last term.
That impressive return helped Michael Carrick’s side secure Champions League qualification, with all three players cementing themselves as regular starters at Old Trafford.
The success of those signings has placed Marcus Rashford’s long-term future at the club under serious scrutiny heading into the new campaign.
Rashford netted 30 goals during the 2022/23 season, but the following three years proved difficult, with the 28-year-old sent on two separate loan spells to rediscover his best form.
His most recent stint away from Old Trafford proved far more fruitful, with Rashford registering 25 combined goals and assists for Barcelona as they won the LaLiga title.
Carrick confirmed Rashford will rejoin the group this week, saying: “We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together.”
The United manager added: “Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie [Mainoo] and Lisandro [Martinez]. We look forward to seeing them.”
Clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia have already registered interest in Rashford this summer, though a departure has not yet been confirmed by the club.
Endrick’s own recent form gives United plenty of reason to push for his signature, even on a temporary basis, with talent scout Jacek Kulig labelling the forward as “world-class.”
Former Real Madrid and Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has previously praised the forward in glowing terms, stating that “he has all the qualities to be the best player in the world.”
Endrick spent the second half of last season on loan at French side Lyon, where he featured 16 times in Ligue 1 and registered 12 combined goals and assists.
That tally ranked him third highest in Paulo Fonseca’s squad and demonstrated a better goal-per-game ratio than Rashford managed during the same period.
His dribbling numbers were equally eye-catching, with Endrick completing an average of 2.7 successful dribbles per 90 minutes during his time in France.
He also registered 2.2 chances created per 90 minutes at Lyon, a figure that ranked him in the top 97 percent of attackers across Europe during that spell.
United’s pursuit of Igor Thiago from Brentford has hit complications due to the London club’s reluctance to sell, making Endrick an attractive alternative option on the wing.
Should Endrick arrive at Old Trafford, it would pile further pressure on Rashford to prove his worth and justify a place in Carrick’s increasingly competitive attacking unit.