Manchester United have reportedly identified Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani as a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
With the Portuguese superstar having been allowed to depart on a free transfer last month, United are one attacker down heading into 2023.
While Marcus Rashford is currently starring in the final third and Anthony Martial is looking to put together a run of games down the middle of the frontline, United require further competition.
Last week, head coach Erik ten Hag was quizzed on the situation, the Dutchman acknowledging that he was keen to bring in at least one fresh face in that area of the pitch.
Ten Hag told reporters: "I think we have a squad. We have the players who are matching our criteria. But with all the games that are coming, it is tough competition in all the leagues.
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"But if you want to also be in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues by winning games and cups as well. So, you need players, you need numbers to cover.
"So, we need good players. Not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that and also that you need competition. And you need also that you can make tactical choices. So, we are looking for the right player for our squad and has to match our sporting criteria but also our financial criteria."
At a time when United are being linked with a wide array of players, transfer expert Nicolo Schira claims that United are monitoring any developments with the future of Kolo Muani.
In his first season at Frankfurt, the 24-year-old has already contributed seven goals and nine assists from 20 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
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Kolo Muani further enhanced his growing reputation at the World Cup while representing France, scoring as a substitute in the semi-finals and generally impressing in the final versus Argentina.
However, Schira adds that Frankfurt are not prepared to consider parting ways with the versatile player for anything less than €60m (£53m).
That is a fee which may be deemed beyond United at this stage, with another report indicating that club officials have little intention of paying a substantial fee to complete the straight loan of Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix.
With Ronaldo having recently signed for Al-Nassr, it has been suggested that Vincent Aboubakar may be allowed to depart the Saudi Arabian club with Old Trafford a potential destination.
United had been regarded as the favourites to sign Cody Gakpo before the Netherlands international made the surprise switch to Liverpool during the New Year.
Darren Plant
