Manchester United are following Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, while Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain. Tottenham and Fiorentina are also on the hunt for the Croatian’s signature.
Manchester United have had midfield as their top priority in the summer transfer window, signing Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Brighton, Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively.
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In addition, United have signed reserve goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, while Tottenham talent Tynan Thompson arrived for around £8 million.
There have been rumours that Manchester United could still sign a left-back, a left-winger and a striker before the window closes – but left-back seems to be the most likely position to reinforce.
Zirkzee has to go out – before Matanovic can come in
However, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs and other sources have made it clear that INEOS will approve a striker purchase if Zirkzee leaves the club this summer.
Jacobs said on Wednesday that United are “on the lookout” for a new striker if Zirkzee leaves – with interest from both Premier League and Serie A clubs.
“Left-back seems to be the priority. But they will also be on the lookout for a nine, and if Joshua Zirkzee leaves, it will be even more precarious in the final hours or days of the window. If Manchester United can’t reinforce, they obviously have the option of not approving a sale,” Jacobs told Betway Insider.
While Como is expected to sign Moise Kean before the deadline, Fiorentina are now in “advanced talks” to sign Dutchman Zirkzee from United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Another player Fiorentina have in their sights is Freiburg striker Matanovic. Thursday’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) reveals that it is “difficult, but not impossible” for the Croatian to end up at the Serie A club.
However, the interest from Manchester United and Tottenham makes it more difficult – especially as Matanovic is considered the “heir to Mario Mandžukić” in Croatia. The striker scored 11 Bundesliga goals last season.
With Omar Marmoush on his way to Tottenham and Fiorentina getting serious in their pursuit of Zirkzee, Manchester United could now have a clear path to Matanovic.
The left-back hunt: Balde still relevant
Jacobs also gave an update on the search for a new left-back at Manchester United:
“At left-back, we have to watch closely to see if anything is possible in the last days of the window. Alejandro Balde has been offered all around, and my understanding is that Barcelona are willing to approve a sale for about 45 million euros.
“Manchester United, however, may be more inclined to make a loan – partly to give themselves freedom in 2027 if they want to go for top target Lewis Hall.
“Hall is not expected to be available this late in the window, so Manchester United will have to consider whether it is better to sign a left-back now, or find a temporary solution – and then go for Hall next year.
“Balde is one possibility. But I’ve been told that if Manchester United move, they’d prefer a loan with an option to buy – rather than a direct sale. There may still be one to keep an eye on until the window closes.
“However, nothing has happened yet – and they have also been offered Jorge Salinas and David Raum as alternative left-backs.
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