Manchester United have watched six strikers after Erik ten Hag made his criteria for his priority position clear with two words, according to reports. The Red Devils will invest in a reliable goalscorer this summer but are already prepared to walk away from two of Ten Hag's targets due to inflated asking prices.
Harry Kane was Man Utd's top striker target. (Image: Getty)
It's no secret that Ten Hag's top target was Harry Kane. The 29-year-old is out of contract next year and is as low risk as goalscorers get, bagging another 30 in the Premier League this term.
However, Tottenham Hotspur's reluctance to sell to a direct rival saw United walk away early to avoid a window-long goose chase. Ten Hag, while disappointed, is said to accept the club's stance.
Atalanta's 20-year-old starlet Rasmus Hojlund emerged as an alternative, and the Denmark international is keen on a switch to United.
However, the Serie A side will prevent a deal if they don't budge on their eye-watering £85million valuation. Negotiations are expected in the weeks ahead.
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In a more left-field avenue, United have also kept tabs on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after three consistent seasons in the Premier League, netting 14, 11 and 15 goals.
But he's in talks over a new contract at Villa Park after helping Unai Emery guide the club into the Europa Conference League.
Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Benfica's Goncalo Ramos and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani are a more familiar trio to those following transfer speculation.
All three scouted stars meet Ten Hag's criteria based on their impressive exploits in top European leagues, but they would also demand sizable fees.
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