Man Utd 'add' wildcard option to strikers shortlist as shock Viktor Gyokeres alternative emerges

A surprise wildcard option has emerged in Manchester United's search for a new striker this summer transfer window.

United are coming off the back of their worst finishing position in a league campaign since 1974 after ending their Premier League season in 15th place.

Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout midway through the season, but the change did no inspire an uplift in form.

United were seeking silverware and a place in the Champions League via the Europa League, but will be without European football next season after Tottenham Hotspur beat United in the Bilbao final 1-0.

United lacked the ability to score sufficient goals last season, having netted just 44 times across 38 Premier League encounters, and adding firepower at the top end of the pitch has been a clear priority this summer transfer window.

Matheus Cunha has arrived from Wolves for £62.5m, while United have recently had a second bid turned down by Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, who has told the Bees he wants a move to Old Trafford if he leaves this summer.

Adding a striker is regarded by many fans as a priority this summer, after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee netted only seven goals between them in the Premier League last season.

Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United. (Image: Getty)

Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has unsurprisingly been linked with a move to United, where he would link up with his former boss Amorim if he makes the switch.

It appears likely that Gyokeres may well move onto pastures new this summer, given Sporting's president Frederico Varandas has confirmed he will not demand the full release clause of around £85m for the striker.

Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Napoli's Victor Osimhen - who has just spent a season out on loan at Turkish side Fenerbache - are others who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

United were interested in signing Liam Delap, who had a release clause of £30m in his contract after Ipswich Town's relegation, but he opted for a move to Chelsea instead.

But a fresh 'wildcard' option has emerged in the club's striker search, should efforts to sign the aforementioned players not bear fruit.

According to the Bleacher Report, United have Genk striker Tolu Arokodare on their radar.

The Nigerian star is 24-years-old and is coming off the back of a campaign which saw him score 23 goals and notch seven assists across 45 appearances in all competitions, which also meant he ended the season as the Belgian Pro League's top scorer.

The Bleacher Report suggests United scouts have 'liked what they've seen' from Arokodare in their background work and he is 'one to watch' in the club's striker search.