Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal recently stated in an interview with Bild that he is happy with the current strikers (despite the departure of Robin van Persie) available to him. At the same time, he insisted that the possibility of signing a new striker cannot be completely ruled out. 

Well then, according to reports from Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United are plotting a big money move for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain. 

The Argentine striker has been linked with a move away from the Serie A club, with reports emerging earlier that Arsenal had a €60m bid rejected. 

Higuain has fuelled further speculation by rejecting a chance to extend his contract. Napoli president is adamant that Higuain will remain at the club beyond the summer, and that he will only be allowed to leave, if any potential buyer pay his €90m release clause. 

“We had a meeting with the president [Aurelio De Laurentiis] in Venice 10 days ago,” Higuain’s brother told Radio Crc, according to Goal.com.

“We talked about everything. He offered a one-year contract extension, but in my opinion – and ours – we will continue with the original contract, expiring in 2018.”

“The contract isn’t that different to the one we signed before, so for us it’s not a real offer. We are calm and happy to continue with the current conditions,” Higuain’s representative added. 

“At the moment, we have faith that Gonzalo will stay at Napoli, with a team which is 100 per cent focused and can win something. It seems strange, but the big clubs have not contacted me, nor have I spoken with anyone.”

Manchester United do need a world class striker, and they have the money to sign any big names in the world football, but can’t see them paying such a ridiculous money on Higuain. The dosh could be used elsewhere.