Manchester United are looking to improve their centre-forward options this winter, with Joshua Zirkzee making a limited impact so far this season.
Zirkzee is yet to start a match in any competition this season, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo proving to be the favoured options in attack, and in truth, the Dutchman has struggled ever since his arrival in the Premier League.
The former Bologna man has scored just nine goals in 81 appearances for the Red Devils, and former player Gary Pallister has suggested Michael Carrick needs to bring in a new striker, with Al-Ahli star Ivan Toney touted as a potential target.
Pallister said: “I think we need a more experienced player. Sesko is still young enough to be a big part of this squad, but he is not the finished article yet.
“We need someone who has the experience and knows the Premier League, but there aren’t a lot of those experienced English strikers at the moment. I don’t think we can pay enough money for Ivan Toney to come to Man united, considering the deal he has at the moment.”
Toney could be an exciting option, considering the 30-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League, and he has maintained a stellar goal record throughout his career.
|
Ivan Toney’s goalscoring record |
Appearances |
Goals |
|
Brentford |
141 |
72 |
|
Al-Ahli |
105 |
83 |
|
Peterborough |
94 |
49 |
|
Scunthorpe |
35 |
15 |
|
Newcastle |
4 |
0 |
|
Wigan |
28 |
6 |
|
Shrewsbury |
26 |
7 |
|
Barnsley |
21 |
2 |
|
Northampton |
60 |
13 |
However, the 10-cap England international remains under contract with Al-Ahli until 2028, and a different striker has now emerged as a target for United.
Man Utd keen on signing Jean-Philippe Mateta
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man United are interested in signing Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta in the January transfer window, and they are ready to fund a move by offloading Zirkzee.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will be able to get the Netherlands international off the books, as he wants to remain at Old Trafford, despite receiving limited game time this season.
As such, Michael Carrick‘s side could find it difficult to sell Zirkzee, but if they are able to cash-in, Mateta has proven he could be an excellent replacement.
The Frenchman has already proven himself in the Premier League, picking up 50 goals and nine assists in 163 matches in the competition, and he received major plaudits from Dan Cook of HLTCO for his performances last season.
Moreover, the 29-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning January will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in, and the Eagles may be forced to offload him for a cut-price fee.
