Manchester and Newcastle linked with Bolton Wanderers striker

Manchester United’s prime target for a striker was considered to be Samuel Eto’o of Barcelona but reports today have surfaced that Manchester United is planning to compete with Newcastle United in bidding for Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka.

The well, well, well, well traveled former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahce, and now Bolton player was relatively successful this season scoring 11 Premiership goals. I can see why Sam Allardyce might want to bring Anelka into Newcastle, but why Manchester United would be interested is beyond me.

With low maintenance players like Darren Bent, Michael Owen or Mark Viduka or a host of others that would love a chance to play for United I don’t think it makes a lot of sense to sign a potentially destabilizing player just when the United dressing room has synced up well. Ruud van Nistelrooy was similarly destabilizing and I don’t see Rooney getting along well with Anelka up front.

Anelka has three years on his current deal at the Reebok, but United have taken the initiative and inquired about what it might take to bring Anelka in.

I guess one reason Anelka may be of interest is that United have spent 40m pounds so far on their 3 signings Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson. Does United have money for Eto’o, by inquiring about Anelka, it looks clear they do not.