Man Utd still interested in signing £60m striker after landing Zirkzee

Tipped for a busy summer, Manchester United kicked off their spending on Sunday by announcing the £36 million signing of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Italian side Bologna.

The Dutchman has become the first signing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS era at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old arrives on the heels of scoring 11 goals in Serie A last season, and is expected to be brought in to provide Rasmus Hojlund with cover and competition.

However, the Red Devils could yet make a move to sign another striker, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano (via GiveMeSport).

United have been linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney in recent weeks, with a big update on their stance over a move for the England forward emerging following the signing of Zirkzee.

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What did Romano say?

Romano said to GMS : "Look at the moment, I'm not aware of anything advanced for these two players [Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin]. They've discussed these players internally, but it was already weeks ago when they were considering several options.

"Around the end of May, beginning of June, they were still deciding internally whether they want to sign an experienced striker like maybe a Toney, or a young striker like Joshua Zirkzee. Now they have closed the Zirkzee deal, then we will see."

Would another striker signing make sense for United?

It's evident that Ten Hag and the club's hierarchy are desperately looking to strengthen their attacking cohort. With Anthony Martial leaving and Marcus Rashford's future uncertain, these offensive areas could begin to look depleted, so several additions could be required.

Brentford are set to sell Toney this summer as his contract expires in 2025, with the Bees reportedly willing to allow the player to move for a fee in the region of £60 million.

Toney was one of the sought-after players in the January transfer window, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen to buy him. The 28-year-old ended up staying at Brentford, but manager Thomas Frank has since admitted that it is virtually certain that Toney will be sold.

Toney missed the first half of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign due to a betting ban but returned to playing in January, after which he netted four goals.