Man United’s search for a striker continues.
Manchester United have reportedly identified two new transfer targets after opting against signing Marko Arnautovic.
The Red Devils looked set to sign the Austrian forward from Bologna, with the club short of cover in forward positions.
Man United, however, distanced themselves from the deal after fans voiced their concern about Arnautovic, and they couldn’t agree on a transfer fee with the Serie A side.
According to reports, the Old Trafford club have added two forwards to their shortlist of potential signings as their search for a new striker becomes increasingly desperate.
Man United target two forwards after Arnautovic episode.
Man United are interested in signing Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven and are keeping tabs on Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic, according to The Times.
Gakpo, 23, is a Netherlands international who scored 21 goals in 47 games for PSV last season and has netted three times in four games already this season.
The Dutchman has an eye for goal but he predominately plays on the wing, so it is difficult to see how he will solve United’s centre-forward issue.
In 128 games for PSV, Gakpo has played 98 times on the left wing, 14 on the right wing and just 15 times at centre-forward.
The Eredivise side, who are currently coached by Man United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, value Gakpo at €30m.
Man United keeping tabs on Cody Gakpo and Sasa Kalajdzic.
The Red Devils are also reportedly tracking Sasa Kalajdzic, a 6ft 7in centre-forward who plays for Stuttgart.
Kalajdzic, 25, has scored 24 goals in 58 games for the Bundesliga side. He has also earned 20 caps for Austria and scored four goals at international level.
The striker is a target-man in the traditional sense and has been compared to former England and Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.
Kalajdzic, who has a year left on his contract, is reportedly available for around €25m and was previously linked with Everton and Brighton.
Man United’s desperate search for a new forward.
The Red Devils are desperately searching for a new striker after their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Erik ten Hag’s team started the game without a centre-forward, as Anthony Martial was injured and Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t match-fit after missing a large portion of pre-season due to a family matter.
Ronaldo, however, wants to leave Old Trafford. United would have just one senior centre-forward in their squad if Ronaldo were to exit the club – Martial, who is currently injured and spent half of last season on loan.
So, almost three months after Ten Hag started in his role, five weeks after pre-season began, and a week after the new season started, Man United are still scratching around looking to fill problem positions in a squad.
And this is all happening after the club recorded its worst-ever campaign in the Premier League last season.
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