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Rob Dawson, Correspondent
Manchester United have drawn up a list of striker targets ahead of the summer transfer window which includes Ivan Toney, Jonathan David and Joshua Zirkzee, sources have told ESPN.
United are looking for a striker following the departure of Anthony Martial on a free transfer.
Benjamin Sesko has also been heavily scouted, but the Slovenia international has decided to sign a new contract at RB Leipzig.
Rasmus Højlund is currently the only recognised striker in United’s squad. The 21-year-old scored 16 goals in his first season at Old Trafford but the club are conscious of giving the Denmark international more competition up front.
Zirkzee enjoyed a good season with Bologna, scoring 12 goals in 37 games. The 23-year-old, who spent time at Bayern Munich earlier in his career, has a £34 million ($43.2m) release clause in his contract.
Toney and David are of particular interest because they are about to enter the final year of their contracts at Brentford and Lille, respectively.
Sources have told ESPN that Brentford will demand more than £50m for Toney, who is part of England‘s squad at Euro 2024.
Canada international David, 24, scored 26 goals for Lille last season including 19 in Ligue 1.
United have also monitored Brian Brobbey, although a source has told ESPN that much of their interest has been driven by Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain while United conduct their end-of-season review.
Sources have told ESPN that adding a striker to the squad is a priority for United, regardless of who the manager is next season.
The recruitment department are also focusing on bringing in a centre-back with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite a top target.
Everton value Branthwaite, who has been left out of England’s Euros squad, at around £75m, believing that the 21-year-old should command a similar fee to Josko Gvardiol, who moved from RB Leipzig to Manchester City last summer for £77.6m.