Manchester United have identified several striker targets for the upcoming summer transfer window, including Ivan Toney, Jonathan David, and Joshua Zirkzee, according to sources at ESPN.
The club is in search of a new striker following Anthony Martial’s departure on a free transfer.
While Benjamin Sesko was closely monitored, the Slovenia international opted to renew his contract with RB Leipzig.
Currently, Rasmus Højlund is United’s sole recognized striker. The 21-year-old netted 16 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, but the club is eager to provide the Danish forward with additional competition.
Joshua Zirkzee had a strong season at Bologna, scoring 12 goals in 37 appearances. The 23-year-old, who previously played for Bayern Munich, has a release clause of £34 million ($43.2m).
Toney and David are particularly appealing as they approach the final year of their contracts with Brentford and Lille, respectively.
Sources indicate that Brentford will seek more than £50m for Toney, who is currently representing England at Euro 2024.
Jonathan David, a 24-year-old Canadian international, tallied 26 goals for Lille last season, with 19 of those coming in Ligue 1.
United have also been tracking Brian Brobbey, with much of the interest reportedly driven by manager Erik ten Hag.
However, ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain as the club undergoes an end-of-season review.
Regardless of managerial decisions, securing a new striker is a top priority for United’s recruitment team.
The club is also looking to strengthen its defense, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite identified as a prime target. Everton values the 21-year-old, who was excluded from England’s Euros squad, at approximately £75m, comparable to Josko Gvardiol’s transfer fee when he moved from RB Leipzig to Manchester City for £77.6m last summer.
