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Erik ten Hag 'wants new striker at Manchester United before pre-season tour'

Ten Hag 'wants new striker at Man United before pre-season tour'
© Reuters
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants the club to sign a new striker before their pre-season tour of the United States in July.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag reportedly wants a new striker on board before the club begin their pre-season tour of the United States in July.

The 20-time English champions will prioritise the new signing of a centre-forward in the upcoming market, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen viewed as the club's leading targets.

According to ESPN, Ten Hag wants the majority of his transfer business completed, including the acquisition of a big-name striker, before the pre-season tour starts in July.

The Red Devils terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at the end of last year following the explosive interview that the Portugal international gave to Piers Morgan on TalkTV.

Anthony Martial started the 2022-23 campaign as the team's first-choice forward, but the Frenchman has struggled with injury problems throughout the season.

Harry Kane celebrates scoring for England on March 23, 2023© Reuters

The 27-year-old has been restricted to just 14 appearances in all competitions, with an issue related to his hip recently making him unavailable for selection.

Marcus Rashford has been in brilliant form during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 27 goals in all competitions, but on-loan forward Wout Weghorst has only netted twice since his January arrival.

As it stands, Weghorst will head back to Burnley at the end of the season, although the 30-year-old could potentially be signed as a back-up to a big-name centre-forward.

Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund is also thought to be a target for Man United, while Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson is currently being linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Atalanta BC forward Rasmus Hojlund celebrates in February 2023© Reuters

Kane's future at Tottenham is again under the microscope, with the England captain believed to be seriously considering seeking a move away from the North London club this summer.

The 29-year-old, who only has a deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until next summer, has again been in strong form this season, scoring 23 goals and registering four assists in 39 appearances at club level.

However, Man United are likely to find it very difficult to convince Spurs to sell to a domestic rival.

Osimhen, meanwhile, has managed 25 goals and five assists in 29 appearances during a standout campaign, and he has also been heavily linked with a move to Manchester.

Any deal for the 24-year-old is likely to cost in the region of £100m, though, and it remains to be seen whether Man United are prepared to go to that price for the Nigeria international.

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