Manchester United legend Andy Cole has given his former club some controversial advice on signing Harry Kane. The one-time Arsenal forward has also suggested Granit Xhaka needs replacing at the Emirates.
Kane is set to be a top target for United this summer. Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his frontline by signing a forward.
But Cole believes the Red Devils should instead look for a longer-term signing. Kane turns 30 in June, while fellow target Victor Osimhen only turned 24 in December.
Speaking to King Casino Bonus, Cole said: “Harry Kane is 30 years old next season and Victor Osimhen is currently 24 years old and he’s already done a lot at his age too. Italian football is difficult but there will be no doubt that he can adapt to the Premier League.
“If Manchester United want to pay £100m for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long term. The only value Manchester United can get from Kane is if he can win them the Premier League.
“Meanwhile, Osimhen is near the same age as Erling Haaland and look what he’s doing at the moment. If Haaland stays at Manchester City for another four years, he’ll still be worth £100m or more, so it depends on what Manchester United are looking for.”
Cole admits Kane would bring more instant success than Osimhen but doesn’t think that is what United should do. He added: “Unfortunately in football, everyone wants instant success, but that does not guarantee a bright future for the club. Look at Manchester City, they did not have instant success and look at them now.
“The players Pep Guardiola brought in were always young and he could still sell them for a decent price if he needed to. That’s what I think Manchester United should do because they have been caught too many times bringing in players for ridiculous fees and on ridiculous wages who have run down their contracts, I don’t think they can afford to be caught in that position again.”
Meanwhile, Cole has backed Arsenal to make a move for Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder played a key role in Argentina winning the World Cup in Qatar in December.
Cole believes the 24-year-old has shown he is good enough to step into the shoes of Xhaka at Arsenal. He said: “Alexis Mac Allister would be a good buy for Arsenal and could replace Granit Xhaka. But then if Declan Rice went too, how would they all fit in?
“Mac Allister had great energy and contributed to some great goals in the World Cup. This kid has it all and he will have loads of options in the summer.
“It will be hard for Brighton to hold onto him. They will make an absolute fortune on him because he only cost them £7m, I can see him going for at least £60m in the summer.
“Fair play to Mac Allister, he’s come from South America and impressed straight away and at a fashionable club like Brighton too.”
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