Manchester United set to sign Japanese Messi to solve goal scoring problem

Manchester United are reportedly edging closer to a deal for Yoshinori Muto, a player dubbed “the Japanese Messi”.

The 23-year-old striker has been in fine form since joining Bundesliga side Mainz 05 over the summer, scoring seven times and registering two assists in 17 league appearances.

Muto signed a four-year deal with the club for a fee believed to be in the region of £2m but his performance in the first half of the campaign has seen his worth rise to around £12m.

According to the Sunday People, Mainz are reluctant to sell but are believed to be “close” to cashing in on the player as Louis van Gaal looks to boost his attacking options in the winter window.

United have the 10th best attack in the Premier League, having scored just 24 goals in the first 20 games of the season.