Manchester United target £72m striker nicknamed 'The Bull' to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United are targeting Inter Milan star, Lautaro Martinez, as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a report.

Yesterday, Man Utd announced that Portugal forward Ronaldo is leaving the club with immediate effect.

The departure, which was “mutually agreed”, follows a controversial interview in which the 37-year-old was scathing of Man Utd owners the Glazers, and claimed he had “no respect” for manager Erk ten Hag.

A Man Utd statement said: "The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford.” They also wished "him and his family well for the future".

The Red Devils are now on the hunt for a new striker, with Inter and Argentina forward Martinez the latest to have been linked.

‘The Bull’

According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Man Utd have identified a series of options to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. One of the names on the shortlist is Argentine striker Martinez.

The 25-year-old, who is nicknamed ‘the Bull’ in his native Argentina, has been a key player for Inter Milan over the past few seasons and was central to their Scudetto win in 2020/21.

Martinez has scored 65 goals in his three seasons with the Serie A giants club including eight goals this term.

Tottenham and Atletico Madrid linked

Italian outlet CMW claims that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is keen on raiding Inter Milan for Martinez. Simeone is allegedly planning on offering two players - Rodrigo De Paul and Matheus Cunha - to secure Martinez’s services.

CMW previously claimed that Spurs were interested in securing a £72million deal for Martinez if star striker Harry Kane were to depart.

Kane’s current deal expires in 2024 and there is uncertainty regarding whether the England man would renew.