Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are two strikers who Manchester United is considering signing this summer in addition to Joshua Zirkzee.
Erik ten Hag is eager for more offensive punch to help Rasmus Hojlund, as United is very close to signing Zirkzee from Bologna.
United must now decide whether to activate the £33 million release clause on the Netherlands international or to negotiate a little higher sum that would allow them to pay in installments.
Personal details have been agreed upon with the international player and his representatives. Zirkzee, who scored 12 goals in all competitions last season while playing as a striker and a wide forward, isn’t thought of as a prolific goal scorer. Anthony Martial, who departed Old Trafford this summer, is another player that fits this description.
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.
Calvert-Lewin started 26 of Everton’s 38 league games last season and scored eight goals despite a history of injuries.
In contrast, Toney scored four goals in his first five games following his return from a January betting violation ban.
In addition, United has increased its offer for Jarrad Branthwaite and is in negotiations to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. According to French reports, they are also optimistic about finalizing a deal for Manuel Ugarte, a midfield player for Paris Saint-Germain.
Any more company would need to be financed by significant sales, and United hopes to raise money by selling Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho. Sancho is being pursued by many teams, including Juventus, while Marseille is in early negotiations to bring Greenwood to the Premier League.