Manchester United are set to miss out on the signature of Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez, after reports emerged that Chelsea have agreed a £21million deal with the La Liga BBVA giants.
With few options in attack for Louis van Gaal, the United manager, the Red Devils may still remain in the market for a new forward.
Here are five world-class strikers that van Gaal should turn his attentions to:
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5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
It was recently claimed that Paris Saint-Germain have informed the Sweden international that he can be sold for a cut price this summer, with the news alerting Arsenal and Manchester United.
While the 33-year-old is certainly no long-term prospect at the Theatre of Dreams, his influence for at least one season could be exciting – particularly in a campaign where United could make a return to the Champions League.
The only issue would remain his wage demands; though this doesn’t appear to be an issue for the Red Devils.
4. Harry Kane
The England international is yet to get off the mark in the new season, and was controversially substituted early on in the second half against Stoke City last weekend, but his reputation for being one of the finest centre-forwards in the Premier League firmly remains intact.
The Red Devils have been linked with a £45million bid for Kane’s signature, and it was recently revealed that Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, met with Ed Woodward, the Old Trafford executive vice-chairman, in May to discuss the availability of the 21-year-old.
Levy insisted that he was not for sale at any price; however, a sizeable offer from United could force the English businessman to consider selling.
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3. Thomas Muller
Arsenal and United have been linked with a bid for the Bayern Munich forward, and he could prove the most difficult to land in this summer’s transfer window.
Matthias Sammer, Bayern’s sporting director, remains adamant that Muller will not be sold this month, yet his name continues to be linked with a move to England’s top flight.
The 25-year-old would team up with former Allianz Arena team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger, and perhaps the midfielder could engage in a little persuasion at the request of Louis van Gaal.
2. Edinson Cavani
While Arsenal appear to be leading the chase for the Uruguayan, with reports claiming that the Gunners have been informed of his £35million price tag, the Red Devils could pounce sneak ahead of their rivals with a bid in this region.
A forward with such versatility as Cavani – adept at scoring from a wide and central position – could make him an ideal signing in van Gaal’s ever-changing formation.
It’s unlikely that Laurent Blanc, the PSG manager, will grant Cavani and Ibrahimovic exits, so they may have to act quick.
1. Karim Benzema
Benzema is the striker on the lips of Premier League supporters this summer; the thought of the Frenchman really swapping the glamour of La Liga for the ruthless Premier League must get most excited.
While Arsenal – again – seem to be ahead in the race for his signature, the lure of leading the attack at the Theatre of Dreams could see van Gaal pip his rivals.
However, the miserable experience that former Los Blancos team-mate Angel Di Maria suffered in his one season in Manchester could impact Benzema’s decision making.
But if there’s one striker the Premier League’s elite should be battling for – it’s Benzema.
