Manchester United's pursuit of a new striker continues but a tight budget and concerns over Financial Fair Play leave Erik ten Hag with a major problem.
The Dutchman put a No.9 at the top of his summer shopping list months ago, with an overreliance on Marcus Rashford unsustainable, despite the forward's prolific campaign. Wout Weghorst's loan was far from successful and the 30-year-old is not expected to return, while Anthony Martial's future is also uncertain.
Harry Kane had long been earmarked as this summer's prime target, while Napoli's Victor Osimhen had also caught the eye with his goalscoring exploits in Italy. But big names carry big prices, and nowhere is that more true than up top.
Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here
ALSO READ: Mount returns to United training ground for photoshoot ahead of unveiling
Neither Tottenham nor Napoli look likely to entertain offers for their stars, but any approach would likely need to top £100million. Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund or Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt - both considered 'cheaper' alternatives previously - won't come much cheaper.
Around half of United's summer budget has been wiped out by the £60million signing of Mason Mount, and Ten Hag still needs to find a new first-choice goalkeeper. As unpalatable as it may be for supporters, the sensible move may be to bring in a stop-gap No.9, with next summer's market looking far more favourable.
Below, MEN Sport have taken a look at five potential cut-price options to lead United's line next season:
Mehdi Taremi
The Porto striker is reportedly on Ten Hag's radar after an outstanding season in Portugal in which he scored 31 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions. It's been his best-ever season in front of goal, but 80 in 147 over three seasons is evidence of a consistently high level.
At 30, Taremi is no spring chicken but the Iran international is still finding the net regularly, and with a contract that expires next summer, he could arrive at a cut-price fee. Reports in Portugal have suggested €20million (around £17m) would be enough.
Viktor Gyökeres
Another brilliant season in the Championship saw Gyökeres net 21 goals in 46 appearances, adding 12 assists. Such form has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League and across Europe, and while fans may not be blown away with a 'second-tier striker', it must be noted that the 25-year-old outperformed the very promising Amad.
Sporting Lisbon are reportedly in advanced talks to sign the Sweden international for just £18.5million, but terms are yet to be finalised and United would fancy themselves to swoop in and change the striker's mind, should they want to.
Moussa Dembele
Having seen his contract at Lyon expire over the weekend, Dembele became a free agent and is on the lookout for a new club. The 26-year-old has struggled recently and managed just three goals last season while spending most of his time on the bench.
But there is a quality player in there and previous campaigns are evidence of that. Dembele did score 70 goals in 172 appearances during his five-year spell in Lyon, and burst onto the scene as an electric young forward during his time at Fulham and then Celtic. Ten Hag may back himself to get the best out of a wayward talent.
Noah Okafor
Switzerland international Okafor has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs after a promising campaign with RB Salzburg. The 23-year-old netted 10 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions, including three in six Champions League games, until a metatarsal fracture saw his season ended in April.
Reports linking the striker with other clubs have suggested Salzburg would demand around £25million for their young talent, but the Austrian side would be open to selling after he entered the final 12 months of his contract.
Mauro Icardi
Argentina international Icardi has proven his goalscoring credentials across Europe, most recently netting 23 goals in 26 appearances for Galatasaray. The 30-year-old has endured a torrid time at parent club Paris Saint-Germain - due in part to injuries - but consistently stood out leading the line for Inter Milan before his 2019 move to France.
A return to Italy has been mooted and Roma are one of several clubs to have been offered a chance to sign the striker, with PSG ready to cash-in on a player who has one year left on his deal. But United could potentially offer him a chance in the Premier League, and previous reports have suggested less than £20million could do the trick.
Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast
