Man Utd and Juventus 'battling it out for £54m-rated Jimenez for good reason'

Raul Jimenez has picked up where he left off.

The Wolves striker was his assertive best as he led the line for Nuno Espirito Santo's men against West Ham on Saturday, opening the scoring in the second half with a header that finally broke the resolve of David Moyes's side.

It was a goal that saw him break a Wolves record – his own record to be precise – for the most goals scored by a player in a Premier League season.

It was his 14th of the campaign, eclipsing the 13 he bagged last season as the club impressed on their first season back in the top flight.

It took his tally for all competitions during 2019-20 to 23, a return that matches that of Manchester City's Sergio Aguero for the campaign, impressive company to be keeping.

It is a tally that has caught the eye on the other side of Manchester. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been quizzed about United's interest in the Mexican before.

Asked about interest in the player following their FA Cup clash in January, the Norwegian admitted: 'Another good player we've been linked with.

'It's loads of players being linked with us. I thought when he came on he did really well today but I can't comment on these speculations.'

Despite his coy response, it has done little to dampen speculation that United are preparing to lure Jimenez to Old Trafford this summer.

What has also emerged is that United are far from the only big name on the continent looking to prise the 29-year-old away from Molineux.

Juventus have been heavily linked, with reports suggesting that they have contacted agent Jorge Mendes in a bid to enlist his help to get a deal done.

After initially balking at a reported asking price of £54million, they could be planning a swap instead, with both Daniele Rugani and Federico Bernardeschi set to be offered to sweeten a possible deal.

There are suggestions that Real Madrid are also sniffing around, illustrating just how far Jimenez's stock has risen since joining on loan from Benfica two seasons ago.

Being linked with these kind of clubs is hard to ignore, and Jimenez himself has spoken on his future. It is fair to say he is happy to keep an open mind when it comes to a possible move.

'I don't know if they are true, they are rumours,' he said during a conversation with Mexican personality Jessica Coch.

'Since they are talking about me, different teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool… They are teams that in the history of football are important.

'It is an incredible thing to be on the radar and on the lips of those teams. It is something good to continue growing, making an effort and taking it as an incentive so that, if possible, I can give even more to achieve it.'

If he does continue to give his all until the end of the season, it could be enough to propel Wolves into the Champions League.

They are five points behind Chelsea and that final spot in the top four, and level on points with fifth-placed United - and that spot could be enough to secure Champions League football next season if Manchester City's ban is upheld.

Wolves are also in possession of a run of fixtures that look favourable in this mad final furlong of a bizarre campaign.

Firing them into Europe's top competition is something his manager believes Jimenez is more than capable of.

'What I know is we're delighted with Raul. He has been sensational and fantastic for us,' said Santo of his forward back in November.

'Being ambitious, having ambitions and dreaming is something that all of us have. Our ambitions are built on the present, on a daily basis. What he is doing is amazing - every day of his life is dedicated to Wolves so we are delighted with it.'

His rivals are equally aware of his skillset.

'I think he has everything a world-class striker needs,' City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan previously said of the Mexican.

'For a striker he is so mobile, but also physically so good and talented technically on the ball. I can imagine him playing with us.'

For now, he is taking on the Premier League's elite. Next season it could be Europe's.

In which colours still remains to be seen.