AFC Bournemouth striker Joshua King had “some faith” he was going to join Manchester United in January of this year.
A winter move to Old Trafford never materialised, and the Red Devils ended up taking Odion Ighalo on loan from Shanghai Shenhua. The latter’s temporary stay has been extended until January 2021.
The Norway international saw his side relegated from the Premier League after the Cherries finished 18th in the table, one point behind 17th placed Aston Villa.
King has a year left on his contract and it’s unclear whether he will be part of Eddie Howe’s side next season.
Norway assistant coach Per Joar Hansen has advised the 28-year-old to make a decision on his future.
“Now it’s like that in football that he has to think about whether he wants to be relegated or whether it’s time to move,” Hansen told Dagbladet.
“He has been there for five years now and has shown that he is a very good Premier League player. I doubt that he wants to go down one level, but we just have to wait and see.”
Two months ago, the Bournemouth frontman changed agents and is now represented by Jim Solbakken, who also manages Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
King played under his compatriot at United’s academy, and Per Joar Hansen is of the belief the player’s past connection with Solskjaer and his current association with Solbakken can help him return to United.
“The link to United is strong. King has played there as an academy player. His former coach in the reserve team is now head coach of the club and he has got himself a new agent in Jim Solbakken, who is also Solskjaer’s agent,” he explained.
“You should never say never. Ole Gunnar knows Josh well from the reserve team, and he has contributed to his development. In addition, Josh knows well what United stands for. But we’re not going to get bogged down in it, it’s just speculation.”
Multiple reports coming out of the British press have talked about United planning to bring in a new striker this summer. With Bournemouth relegated to the Championship, King could be a relatively cheap option.
