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Manchester United 'identify three attacking targets' after Benjamin Sesko blow

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 June 2024

Man Utd 'identify three attacking targets' after Sesko blow

Brentford's Ivan Toney, Lille's Jonathan David and Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee are of interest to Manchester United, according to a report.

Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a three-man striker shortlist, with Brentford's Ivan Toney, Lille's Jonathan David and Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee of interest to the Red Devils.

The 20-time English champions had been one of a number of clubs looking at Benjamin Sesko, but the in-demand centre-forward, also heavily linked with Arsenal, has signed a new deal with his German club.

Man United are determined to sign a new striker this summer, with the club looking to bring in competition for Rasmus Hojlund, as Anthony Martial will officially leave on a free transfer on June 30.

According to ESPN, Toney remains a target for the English giants, with the England international widely expected to leave Brentford during the summer market.

Meanwhile, Bologna's Zirkzee, who was linked with a switch to Old Trafford in January, and Lille's David are also allegedly being monitored by Erik ten Hag's team.

Brentford's Ivan Toney on April 3, 2024 © Reuters

Toney likely to be the most expensive of the trio

Toney only has 12 months left to run on his contract with Brentford, but it is understood that the Bees value him in the region of £50m.

Zirkzee, though, has a £34m release clause in his current deal, while it could cost a similar amount to bring in David, as the Canada international is out of contract next year.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with Toney earlier this year, but the Gunners have seemingly dropped their interest in the 28-year-old, who is currently with the England squad preparing for Euro 2024.

After returning from a betting-related suspension, Toney scored four times and registered two assists in 17 Premier League appearances last season.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, managed 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances for Bologna in 2023-24, and the presence of an affordable release clause in his contract makes him an interesting option.

Lille's Jonathan David during the warm up before the match on January 22, 2022 © Reuters

David 'being monitored by Man United'

David's future has been the subject of much speculation over the last year or so, with Lille widely expected to let him leave this summer due to his contract situation.

The 24-year-old scored 26 goals and registered nine assists in 47 appearances for his French club during the 2023-24 campaign, while he has 84 goals and 18 assists in 183 matches for Les Dogues.

David has gained Champions League experience during his time at Lille, scoring three goals in eight appearances in the competition.

Meanwhile, the Canadian helped his side win the Ligue 1 title in 2020-21 after making the move from Gent, where he managed 37 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances.

Man United are also expected to bring in a new centre-back and central midfielder this summer, with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Benfica's Joao Neves said to be their leading targets in the two positions.