Man Utd 'finalise' four-man striker shortlist for summer transfer window with wildcard option included

Manchester United have put together a four-man striker shortlist for the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their attack.

Goals have been a serious problem for the Red Devils this season, with captain Bruno Fernandes their top goalscorer after finding the net eight times in the Premier League.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee cost more than £100 million combined but both have only scored four goals in the league, leaving United to look for a new high-profile addition in the department.

United made two signings in the January transfer window, bringing in defenders Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven.

But according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany, they are "intensively scouting the market" for a new frontman and "talks have already begun" ahead of the window opening again.

United have been strongly linked with a host of strikers, with both Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gykoreres two whose names continue to pop up.

Osimhen is currently on loan from Napoli from Galatasaray, having failed to seal a move to Chelsea or the Saudi Pro League in the summer. Gykoreres, meanwhile, developed into one of the best strikers in the world at Sporting CP under Ruben Amorim, with 83 goals in his last two campaigns.

It's said that both aforementioned strikers "remain high" on United's list but they are also keeping tabs on Bundesliga stars Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko of Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig as two younger options.

Hojlund breaks goal drought

On Sunday, United No.9 Hojlund finally bagged a goal following a drought which lasted 22 hours and 19 minutes. He opened the scoring for United in the 3-0 win over Leicester with his first strike for 22 games and three months.

Viktor Gyokeres is one of four strikers United are keeping tabs on. Image: Getty

The former Atalanta man finished confidently with his right foot and was praised by Amorim, who now hopes it will give him more confidence in the coming weeks.

"It’s really important for Rasmus," Amorim said.

"He’s doing the right things, helping the team, fighting for every ball. He scored a very good goal and I think he deserved it more than anybody.

"It was a difficult goal with difficult control with his right foot. It's a shame we stop for the national teams because we have confidence.

"It was clear today my players are at the limit. We are going to use this window to rest and recover. It will be good. When we return, it will be like starting from scratch."