Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Ivan Toney and Jean-Philippe Mateta as potential striker options, but any move is dependent on Joshua Zirkzee leaving Old Trafford.
According to @sullyexcl, Toney and Mateta are among several forwards being watched by United as Michael Carrick considers his attacking options for the remainder of the transfer window.
Both are viewed as experienced and potentially lower-cost additions rather than another major investment at centre-forward.
However, United are not currently pushing to sign either player.
The report makes clear that another striker would only become a serious priority if Zirkzee departs, with nothing advanced regarding the Dutchman’s exit at present.
Man Utd striker transfer depends on Joshua Zirkzee
That condition makes Zirkzee’s future increasingly important to United’s remaining transfer plans.
Benjamin Sesko remains Carrick’s recognised first-choice striker when fit, while Bryan Mbeumo has already demonstrated that he can operate centrally.
ReadManUtd highlighted on Monday how Mbeumo could provide Carrick with a £65m solution while Sesko works his way back towards full fitness.
Zirkzee gives United another established central option and was involved throughout pre-season, meaning there is little need to add another forward unless the squad changes first.
Carrick’s immediate selection options were also assessed in ReadManUtd’s predicted XI for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Hull City.
Toney and Mateta would represent a different recruitment strategy if Zirkzee does move.
Rather than committing another huge fee after strengthening the attack heavily across recent windows, United could target a forward with substantial senior experience who is capable of providing competition for Sesko.
For now, though, these are contingency options rather than active pursuits.
Nothing advanced on Zirkzee’s departure means United’s striker plans remain on hold, but a late exit could quickly force Carrick and the recruitment team back into the market.
