The Shortlist: Why Man Utd and more should be targeting Paris Brunner as Monaco sharpshooter catches eye of Germany boss Jurgen Klopp

One of them could easily be a senior international call-up, perhaps as early as November. Brunner was not included in Klopp’s first Germany squad, but the former Liverpool boss has hinted that he is on the right path.

“I haven’t spoken to him, but I know Paris. He’s done a fantastic job so far… football-wise,” Klopp said to reporters with a wry smile. “He’s been a huge talent for years and – I don’t want to pre-empt anything – he might be involved with the U21s. There was no room with us, but we did talk about him.”

Klopp may no be regretting not taking a gamble on Brunner, having seen his goal-shy Germany side win only one of their four Nations League matches and find the net just three times in the process. Meanwhile, Brunner did indeed secure a place in the U21 squad, and could hardly have wished for a better debut as he scored twice in a 4-0 thrashing of Latvia in European Championship qualifying.

Brunner admitted he was “over the moon” with his display, while Germany U21 boss Antonio Di Salvo said “we don’t want to slow him down”, indicating that he will either be one of the first names on his teamsheet going forward, or fast-tracked into Klopp’s squad in the next international break.

Speculation over his future will likely ramp up as the January transfer window draws closer, too, with it reported that Liverpool scouts have been monitoring his progress. If Manchester United have any sense, they will be considering a swoop for Brunner, too.

Of all the Premier League’s top clubs, no one is crying out for a new striker more than the Red Devils, with first-choice No.9 Benjamin Sesko sidelined due to a persistent shin injury, and Joshua Zirkzee offering little in terms of cutting edge. Brunner is currently valued at €15m on Transfermarkt, which is a bargain price for a player with such a high ceiling, and he is thus an ideal target for United as they continue to operate on a tight budget.

His blend of raw athleticism and sharp instincts in and around the box make him ideally suited to the Premier League, while he also has the versatility to play on the left wing if required. If United are in the market for a player who thrives in one-vs-one situations and has a knack for turning half-chances into goals, they really should look no further than Brunner.

Of course, experience is an issue and Brunner obviously still has some maturing to do, but the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. Monaco’s new talisman is the gamechanger United need. Now is the time to make a move, before all of Europe’s heavyweight sides are on his tail.