Man Utd considering last minute loan offer for striker as talks held

It could be a busy end to the transfer window for Manchester United after it was reported that the club 'have not ruled out a move' for a striker after being approached by intermediaries.

So far, United have spent around £150 million on recruits.

Andrey Santos was snapped up from Chelsea for around £50 million, Youri Tielemens joined from Aston Villa for £35 million, and Carlos Baleba arrived from Brighton this month for £65 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

As a result, United are stocked in the midfield department. A left-back to provide competition for Luke Shaw, who is entering the final year of his contract, is seen by many as a priority following his shaky start to the season.

Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, is being strongly linked with a late move, with Juventus and Fiorentina said to be keen.

It is a scenario that could force United to bring in a new forward. Michael Carrick's side played without an out-and-out centre forward in games against Hull City and Ipswich Town.

However, that could potentially change when they face Everton on Sunday. Benjamin Sesko is nearing full fitness after missing their final three Premier League games of last season through injury.

In addition, United 'have not ruled out a move' for Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sorloth, who has been offered to the club by intermediaries.

Sorloth could leave Atletico this summer. Image credit: Getty

The 30-year-old Norway international is available for around £30 million, according to a report from Caught Offside, which claims United are yet to make a final decision on the former Crystal Palace player.

"There is the sense that they’re not ruling out adding another striker to their squad late on this summer." the report says.

United, meanwhile, have not ruled out a move for Sorloth.

“Other clubs could be there too, so United need to decide fast," the report adds. "As things stand, I’m not sure they’d pay the £30m asking price, but they might try to negotiate a loan.”

The experienced striker spent two years at Crystal Palace between 2018 and 2020 but scored just once in 20 appearances. He was also loaned out to Gent and Trabzonspor during his spell at Selhurst Park.

Since failing to make the grade at Palace, Sorloth has enjoyed productive spells at Real Sociedad, Villarreal and current club Atletico Madrid, for whom he has netted 44 times in 107 appearances.

The Norway international is often deployed as a No.9 but made an impact on the right wing at this summer's World Cup.

Man Utd 'make enquiry' for another Aston Villa player to solve problem position

As mentioned above, signing a left-back to provide competition for Luke Shaw is plausible.

Top target Lewis Hall looks unlikely to leave Newcastle this summer, while Alejandro Balde is keen to stay at Barcelona after United reached out to his representatives to explore whether a deal would be possible.

Last week, it was reported that United have made a surprise enquiry for Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen, according to transfer journalist Pete O'Rourke, who claims the move is part of their search to bring in a new left-back.