2 months ago
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Manchester United will look to sign a striker in addition to Joshua Zirkzee this summer with Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin two options under consideration.
Erik ten Hag is keen for more firepower up top to support Rasmus Hojlund with United closing in on a deal to sign Zirkzee from Bologna.
Personal terms with the Netherlands international and his representatives have been agreed with United now deciding whether to trigger his £33million release clause or negotiate a slightly higher fee – with the latter enabling them to pay in instalments.
Zirkzee is not considered a prolific goal scorer, scoring 12 times in all competitions last season playing as a striker and a wide forward – similar to Anthony Martial who left Old Trafford this summer.
With problems in attack last season, finishing the campaign with the fewest number of goals in the top 10 of the Premier League, United could still seek to bring in a traditional no9 if finances allow for it.
The Athletic report United are considering moves for two proven Premier League stars in Calvert-Lewin and Toney. Both options have been discussed internally at the club and while a major sale would need to take place first, a deal could be done in the coming weeks.
Both Toney and Calvert-Lewin have entered the final years of their respective contracts at Brentford and Everton and are both thought to be keen to take on a fresh challenge.
Toney is valued at £60m by Brentford but there is belief the Bees could agree a fee closer to £40m.
Everton meanwhile are open to selling Calvert-Lewin with a deal around £30m considered ‘plausible’ at United.
Despite injury problems over the years, Calvert-Lewin started 26 of Everton’s 38 league matches last season, scoring eight goals.
Toney meanwhile scored four goals in his first five appearances after returning from his ban for betting breaches in January.
United are also in talks to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and have made an improved offer for Jarrad Branthwaite. Reports in France also claim they are confident of wrapping up a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Major sales would be required to fund any further business with United hoping to raise cash through the sales of Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. Juventus are among the clubs interested in sign Sancho while Marseille are in advanced talks to bring Greenwood to Ligue 1.
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