Manchester United have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.
The Red Devils are believed to be keen to sign a new forward to add to their current options of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Hojlund has netted just one goal in nine Premier League goals this season, while Zirkzee has scored three goals in 14 top-flight matches since he arrived from Bologna in the summer.
While Zirkzee may have scored a brace against Everton at the weekend, he has seen his future called into question following a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.
Even if the Dutchman stays in Manchester, the Red Devils could still look to recruit a new centre-forward, having been linked with a number of potential targets, including Leverkusen's Boniface.
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Man United dealt Boniface setback
Boniface has been in fine form for Leverkusen this season, netting six goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances before he picked up a hamstring injury last month.
As a result of those strikes, the Nigeria international has netted a total of 29 goals in 49 competitive matches since he joined Leverkusen from Union SG in the summer of 2023.
While his performances have led to interest from Man United, Bonfiace's impressive displays have also convinced Leverkusen to make an effort to extend his stay at the BayArena.
According to journalist Florian Plettenburg, Leverkusen are looking to extend the striker's contract which currently runs until June 2028.
The Bundesliga champions are already in negotiations over a potential one-year extension to keep Boniface at the club until 2029.
Leverkusen are prepared to make the 23-year-old one of the club's highest earners as they look to put off his potential suitors ahead of next summer's transfer window.
The report claims that Man United are keeping tabs on the Nigerian's situation, but are yet to hold talks over a possible transfer.
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Who could Man United target instead of Boniface?
The same transfer update claims that Man United's interest in Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres is 'much more concrete' than their pursuit of Boniface.
Sweden international Gyokeres has been linked with a potential reunion with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim after showcasing his talents as a prolific goalscorer in Portugal.
Gyokeres has racked up 67 goals in 71 matches in all competitions since he joined Sporting from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.
Man United are also believed to be interested in Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush, having sent scouts to watch the Egyptian in action.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Paris Saint-Germain's Randal Kolo Muani are two other strikers said to be on Man United's radar.
