Manchester United join Leicester City in race to sign CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa

Manchester United are plotting a late move to sign CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa in order to secure his services before the end of the January transfer window. He joined the Russian outfit from Eredevise side VVV-Venlo in 2012 and has scored 10 goals in 29 appearances this season.

Louis van Gaal has the services of Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney, who are the only recognised strikers in the squad. The Red Devils' goal scoring form, especially at Old Trafford has been a matter of concern for the Dutchman.

They have managed just two first half goals at home and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach is looking to strengthen his attack in the mid-season window. According to the Independent, Musa has emerged as a target for the 20-time English champions and will face competition from Leicester City.

The Foxes are in the race to secure the services of the CSKA striker as Claudio Ranieri is looking to bolster his side's options up front in order to help Leicester win the title this term. They have made a bid of £15m ($21.3m) for Musa's services.

However, the Premier League leaders are £4m ($5.7m) short of CSKA's valuation. Sky Sports reports that Ranieri's side will step up the chase to land the African attacker as they are in talks with Musa's employers over a potential transfer before the window shuts.

United are willing to meet the player's asking price and the Nigerian international is open to the idea of making a switch to Old Trafford over Leicester. Should he move to Old Trafford, it will give Van Gaal more options during the team selection while picking his strikers.

Musa has featured against United in the group stages of the Champions League, but the 23-year-old did not trouble Van Gaal's defenders or David de Gea in both the fixtures. Disappointing display from the English outfit in Europe's elite club competition has seen them get knocked out of the group stages, forcing them to settle for the Europe League.