Manchester United leading race to sign Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Manchester United are front runners in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The English club are reportedly ready to sign the player this summer for £70 million from the Bundesliga side. Last week, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told share holders that the club has cash reserves […]

Manchester United are front runners in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The English club are reportedly ready to sign the player this summer for £70 million from the Bundesliga side.

Last week, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told share holders that the club has cash reserves of £121.6 million; before hinting there will be more ‘star signings’ during the summer transfer window.

It was also learned this week – despite widespread reports of his demise – that Louis van Gaal has been an integral part of United’s preparations for a summer tour of China. There is no sign from the club that Van Gaal will be asked to step down in order for Jose Mourinho to take over once the current campaign comes to its conclusion.

It appears the Dutch manager is still very much in charge and has already targeted his next signing.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has become the hottest transfer target in Europe after a standout season for Dortmund. The French-born Gabonese forward is the current holder of Confederation of African Football’s Footballer of the Year. Last month, Aubameyang was presented the award – despite the protests of Manchester City’s Yaya Toure – becoming the first Gabonese player to win the honor.

The versatile 26-year-old can play through the middle or on the flank, and fits into Van Gaal’s philosophy of buying young players who can play in a variety of positions.

Aubameyang would potentially form a lethal partnership with United current strike force of Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney; adding more speed and finishing to the club’s attack.

United are also rumored to be monitoring the situations of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona forward Neymar.

However, the consensus is Lewandowski will end up at Real Madrid this summer; and Neymar will eventually re-sign with Barcelona (according to the player’s father).