Manchester United insist their focus remains on the summer transfer window – after arch-rivals Liverpool beat them to the signing of Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool have agreed terms with PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of Gakpo, who was a long-term transfer target for United boss Erik ten Hag. Despite seeing Gakpo join their fiercest rivals, United remain in the market for a striker next month but are likely to bring in a player on loan, rather than a permanent deal.
Having forked out £230million last summer, United are unlikely to spend again in the January transfer window, with the calibre of player they want hard to sign midseason.
United have looked at AC Milan and Portugal striker Rafael Leao, Juventus and Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic and Benfica and Portugal star Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick at the World Cup.
But there is an acceptance among Ten Hag, football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher that an out-and-out No.9 is a hard position to fill, particularly in January, with the summer affording United greater scope and options.
After cancelling Cristiano Ronaldo's contract by mutual consent following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, United are a striker down, while Mason Greenwood's ongoing suspension means the squad is even lighter.
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Ten Hag acknowledged the need for a striker after United's 2-0 EFL Cup fourth-round win over Burnley, but said he would not sign a player for the sake of bringing in an extra body.
Ahead of Tuesday's clash with Nottingham Forest, United have scored just 20 goals in the Premier League this season. Of the top 10, only Chelsea had scored fewer, with Ten Hag admitting it is an issue that must be addressed.
“It’s clear we have to score more,” said Ten Hag. “But when you analyse the first 14 games or however many, we do not have a problem in the front line. Often, players have not been 100 per cent fit and I've had to play them.
“That was probably in the first few games, but when we get players fit and available in the front line, then we will score more goals. We are aware we have lost a striker, so we need to get one in.
“But it has to be the right one, who brings quality into the team, not just a case of adding to the squad, and you know the criteria is high here at Manchester United.”
