Man Utd news: New striker target named as club 'close in' on forward signing

Manchester United are set for an interesting last few days of the transfer window. Michael Carrick has less than a week to strengthen his squad before the September 1 deadline.

United focused their early recruitment efforts on a midfield rebuild and have recently added Carlos Baleba to their engine room. However, Carrick may wish to recruit players in several other positions following the club’s opening defeat to Hull City .

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for a Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic. Benjamin Sesko is one of the few recognised number nines in Carrick’s squad, with versatile forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha able to deputise in his absence.

Meanwhile, United forward Joshua Zirkzee could reportedly leave Old Trafford this summer. Here, Mirror Football looks at the biggest transfer stories surrounding the club.

While Zirkzee is reportedly nearing a move away from Old Trafford, Matanovic could take his spot in Carrick’s squad. The 23-year-old scored 15 goals in all competitions for the German club last season.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that United are vying to sign the Croatia international. The Red Devils are claimed to be joined by Spurs in the race for his signature.

Moreover, Fiorentina are reportedly considering an “ambitious” move for Matanovic as they search for Moise Kean’s replacement. The striker joined Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.

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Fiorentina are also reportedly in talks over a move for United forward Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman has struggled to earn a regular spot in the club’s frontline since arriving from Bologna in 2024.

Italian publication Gazzetta add that Fiorentina are “in negotiations” over a £4.2million loan move for Zirkzee, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer. The Serie A club are claimed to have identified the United star as an “ideal replacement” for Kean, who is set to join Como.

Fiorentina reportedly face competition from Juventus for Zirkzee but La Viola are eager to step up their pursuit while Juve look to offload Jonathan David. Gazzetta adds that Fiorentina are “closing in” on a move for Zirkzee as Kean’s successor.

The 25-year-old has scored nine goals in 75 games for United. He joined for £36.5m after impressing during his time with Bologna.

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