Hakan Calhanoglu: Why Man Utd chasing outspoken Bayer Leverkusen star

He's the attacking spark that has illuminated the Bundesliga - and Hakan Calhanoglu is being viewed as a potential cure for Manchester United's goal-shy frontline.

The Turkish schemer has impressed this season for Leverkusen, scoring or assisting a goal every other game, developing an impressive highlights reel along the way.

His relative success from free kicks draws headline, but his all-round game possesses the dynamism and trickery that Old Trafford crowds could only dream of currently.

And, with speculation that he'll attract overtures in January, Bayer have admitted that they'll look to cash in on their crown jewel sooner or later.

Chief scout Michael Schade said: “We try to find talent as soon as possible, then encourage their development and then sell them for a high price.

“If one day we can create a world star or first class player and one day he wants to play in one of the best clubs in the world, of course we would sell.

“What we want is to do it in exchange for the most money possible."

Few teams are as ready to throw cash at a problem than United right now.

With their lack of potency or attacking threat, Louis Van Gaal's side have borne the brunt of supporters' frustrations - the stage perfectly set for a fleet-footed playmaker like Hakan.

However, United might have more of a battle on their hands convincing him to sign, after he criticised former team mate Son Heung-Min's transfer to Spurs in the summer.

He hit out at the South Korean star, describing him as 'badly advised', suggesting that Son had been lead by his father rather than make his own decision.

Hakan, who notched 13 goals last season, has also been linked with Barcelona, while Bayern Munich usually have first dibs on emerging Bundesliga talents.

And the 21-year-old would not be put off by a controversial transfer, having dismayed Hamburg fans by joining Leverkusen two years ago.

Then, he cost around £10million. Now, United will be prepared to pay three or four times that to secure his signature.

But, ultimately, the stubborn schemer will decide his next move - which is likely to propel him into superstardom.