REPORTS: Man Utd & Chelsea Lock Horns Over £19m Striker

Manchester United and Chelsea are ready to go head-to-head to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, according to reports.

Van Wolfswinkel only joined Lisbon in the summer for £4.5m from FC Utrecht, and has made ahugely impressive start to life in Portugal netting 7 goals in his first 9 games.

This form has alerted some of Europe’s top clubs, with recent reports claiming both Man Utd and Chelsea have been scouting the 22-year-old this season with a view to a summer move. United assistant Mike Phelan has already admitted the club are keeping tabs on Van Wolfswinkel while it’s also understood Chelsea have entered the race.

A key factor for both clubs could come in the form of former employee, Peter Kenyon, who’s management company owns 50% of the players rights. Van Wolfswinkel’s agent has revealed that his contract has an £19m (€22m) buy-out clause, something any potential suitor must consider before making a move.