Manchester United face stumbling block in pursuit of €20m Majeed Waris

English Premier League giants Manchester United have one big problem to face in their chase of Trabzonspor striker Abdul Majeed Waris.

With Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao all 30 or approaching 30, it’s little surprise to see Manchester United being linked with a number of young strikers.

Pace seems to be the aim for United, and Atletico Paranaense’s Douglas Coutinho has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, but it’s now well known that United have sent Ryan Giggs to scout Trabzonspor striker Abdul Majeed Waris in recent weeks.

The Ghanaian, 23, represented his country at this summer’s World Cup, and Louis van Gaal is seemingly a fan of the blistering pace offered by the former Forest Green Rovers forward.

Last week, Trabzonspor confirmed that they had received a bid from a Qatari team for Waris, but their asking price is around €20m for a striker they snatched from Spartak Moscow this summer.

Yet, there could still be another stumbling block in United’s way as they pursue Waris – and it involves the striker’s activity in January.

Waris is expected to be a key part of Ghana‘s side for the African Cup of Nations, which will see him depart for Equatorial Guinea in mid-January, with the prospect of staying for three weeks, depending on Ghana’s progress.

Earlier this week, Waris reflected on the draw for the tournament, which has seen Ghana matched up with Algeria, Senegal and South Africa, suggesting that he expects to be a part of Avram Grant’s side.

“It’s definitely a tough group with four potential winners. We are Ghana and I’m sure the other countries will look out for us,” Waris told GHANASoccernet.com. “We will not be swayed because we are capable of beating any team.”

Whilst any pursuit of Waris would clearly be geared towards the future, but forking out €20m would suggest some sort of instant impact from a player – something United wouldn’t get from Waris with him playing for Ghana whilst he will take a while to acclimatise to England again and get used to his team mates upon his return.

Additionally, Waris’ time in Equatorial Guinea will make it difficult for United to complete a deal with him, and it’s becoming clear that their pursuit of the former Valenciennes loanee is difficult.