---
title: "United and Spurs battle over Russian striker"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/08/20/united-spurs-battle-russian-striker/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Transfer News"
published: "2015-08-20T11:39:48Z"
modified: "2015-08-20T11:39:48Z"
---

# United and Spurs battle over Russian striker

It looks like Ed Woodward and Louis van Gaal may have another surprise signing up their sleeve, after dropping interest in Barcelona’s Pedro.

According to Russian news agency [TASS](https://tass.ru/en/sports/815363), Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are fighting for the signature of Dynamo Moscow striker Aleksandr Kokorin, with £8 million the estimated figure for the transfer to go through.

The 24-year old’s agent Christophe Hutteau confirmed that a move to either of the clubs was possible. “At the moment I’m working on the transfer of Kokorin. His services have interested Manchester United and Tottenham. There is every reason to believe that the player will be in one of these clubs before August 31.”

Russian champions Zenit Saint Petersburg are also said to be interested in signing Kokorin, but Dynamo are not willing to sell to one of their division rivals.

Kokorin has had 32 international caps and scored 8 goals for Russia, including one during the World Cup last year in Brazil. Last season, he scored 8 in 27 appearances for Dynamo and he’s started off this season with 1 goal in 2 appearances, although he hasn’t featured for the side in the past three games.

With United and Spurs overly reliant on Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane up front for goals, Kokorin may be a welcome addition for both sides. The goalscoring tally may suggest otherwise, but the Russian international is a well-rounded forward, able to get behind defenders with pace, hold the ball up, bring others into play and drop back to link up with the midfield. Kokorin was highly rated as a youngster, but hasn’t really kicked on to become something special.

Kokorin would certainly be different to United’s current striking options, which currently consists of a slightly out-of-form Wayne Rooney, perennial substitute Javier Hernandez and young James Wilson. It would also certainly be an under the radar signing, just like Matteo Darmian’s move from Italian side Torino.