Tottenham Plotting Move For Unwanted Manchester United Striker

Sounds like a headline we've heard before, right? Tottenham Hotspur pursue Dimitar Berbatov, blah, blah blah. Well, you would be wrong. The unwanted Manchester United striker this post is referring to is Federico Macheda.

Macheda is only 20 years-old and, for quite a while, was regarded as one of the top striker prospects in football, but he's since been surpassed by his peers. He's made 27 career appearances for United, scoring four goals. He spent the whole of last season on loan at Sampdoria. He made 16 appearances in all competitions, but scored only one goal (in the Coppa Italia against Udinese).

The rumored price for Macheda is £6 million, which seems a little steep for a striker with 5 career first team goals. Earlier today it was rumored that the Italian was close to a move to Newcastle United on a season-long loan. I'm not sure I believe that Sir Alex Ferguson would be inclined to let Macheda leave on a permanent basis, but if a deal can be worked out I'm in favor of it.

Personally, I'd prefer a scenario that involved a loan-to-buy deal. That probably makes the most sense for Spurs. However, what makes more sense for United is a traditional loan agreement. And if they're going to loan him sending him somewhere we he'll get to play. Newcastle's striking options aren't terribly potent (not that ours are), but Macheda would certainly play more for the Magpies.

Either way I think I'd welcome the addition of Macheda. I've often bemoaned our lack of a young striker and Macheda would certainly fill that role. Let's make this happen!