Reds up their interest in Carlos Bacca?

Manchester United are hot favourites to sign Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca, according to a reports in the Manchester Evening News.

Louis van Gaal has made signing a striker one of his top priorities in the transfer window and Bacca, who scored twice in the Europa League final on Wednesday night to help Sevilla retain the trophy, has emerged as a transfer target.

The Manchester Evening News cites a report from Spanish website Fichajes.net, which states that Sevilla are ready to cash in on the Colombian goal machine, despite Bacca still having three years left on a new contract he signed last September.

The Andalusian club knowing that it is almost impossible to retain the 28-year old’s services, and they reportedly want clubs to pay the buyout clause of €30 million (£21.3 million) in order to seal a move away from the Sánchez Pizjuán.

Roma and AC Milan are also interested, but the report states United are in the driving seat for Bacca’s signature and negotiations are expected to begin imminently.

Bacca could prove to be a like for like replacement for fellow countryman Radamel Falcao, who failed to make his mark at Old Trafford. Bacca’s movement and finishing ability puts him among Europe’s best strikers at the moment, and he could prove to be a hit in the Premier League if United manage to seal a deal.