Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Are Great Fit for Papiss Cisse

Manchester United and Manchester City are locked in a battle for Newcastle United star Papiss Cisse after he made a huge impression during his first Premier League run. While he's capable of excelling with both teams, the Red Devils are a better fit.

John Cross of the Daily Mirror reports the rival Manchester clubs are both working to get Cisse away from the Magpies despite manager Alan Pardew's attempts to keep his key pieces together after an impressive fifth-place league finish.

Cisse ended up second on the squad in Premiership goals with 13 in just 14 games, checking in behind only Demba Ba. With that type of efficiency, it's no surprise the two teams that battled until the bitter end for the title are chasing him.

He's talented enough to move to either side without missing a beat, but based on the current rosters, the Red Devils would give him a better opportunity to shine.

United lacked scoring depth behind Wayne Rooney throughout the campaign, which often placed a heavy burden on the England national team star to carry the team on his back. A more balanced output would have likely resulted in another title.

After Rooney, only Javier Hernandez was able to score at least 10 goals in league play. Danny Welbeck chipped in nine. The biggest problem with Hernandez, Welbeck and the team's other depth players is a lack on consistency.

Some games, they would look like elite offensive weapons, and other times, it was easy to forget they were even on the pitch. Teams need more even contributions. Especially the Red Devils, as they are always facing a busy schedule with tournament games mixed in.

That's exactly what Cisse would provide. The 26-year-old Senegal international possesses a wicked shot and knows how to use his size to gain an advantage on defenders. It's a combination that makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents.

The best part for Cisse is that he should receive ample playing time at Old Trafford, but there wouldn't be a lot of pressure because Rooney will continue to lead the way. That would make his transition a lot easier than if he was expected to become the main man.

Rooney's presence will also open up a lot of space for him to operate. Opposing back lines have no choice but to key in on United's biggest star due to his track record, giving Cisse a much better chance to give the team that second option it has been lacking.

Landing him won't be easy for Sir Alex Ferguson, but it's a move that could turn the tide back in United's favor, which should make it the team's top priority.