Manchester United 'prepare £60m bid' for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a club-record bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 26-year-old star has apparently been identified by United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as their number-one summer transfer target.

The Red Devils remain confident they can lure the sought-after attacker to Old Trafford, despite the possibility that they will fail to qualify for next season's Champions League. United are willing to pay in excess of £60m ($86.5m) and hand Aubameyang a contract worth an eye-watering £200,000-a-week, according to The Mirror.

United are said to have spoken to Aubameyang's representatives and are hopeful of beating rival clubs to his sought-after signature, with Arsenal rumoured to be among the other interested parties. The club still believe they can attract the world's biggest stars, despite their underwhelming performances on the field this season.

Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to meet Dortmund's transfer demands, giving United an advantage in the transfer race. What's more, Aubameyang has previously rubbished rumours linking him with a big-money move to Arsenal. Speaking earlier this year, he said: "I am not going to Arsenal. Dortmund is my club and I am not leaving soon."

United have only scored 33 goals in 26 Premier League games this season, leading to criticism of manager Louis van Gaal. Consequently, the club are thought to be keen to sign a proven goalscorer during the next transfer window.