Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a busy final week of the transfer window, with manager Michael Carrick having less than seven days to strengthen his squad before September 1.
The club initially focused their recruitment drive on overhauling their midfield, adding Carlos Baleba to their engine room. However, Carrick may now look to bring in reinforcements in other areas following the team's opening defeat to Hull City.
Striker target emerges
United have been linked with an interest in Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic. Benjamin Sesko is one of the few natural centre-forwards within Carrick's ranks, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are also capable of filling in.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, United are competing to sign the Croatia international, with Tottenham also reportedly in the race for his services. Fiorentina are additionally weighing up an "ambitious" swoop for Matanovic as they search for a successor to Moise Kean.
The 23-year-old scored 15 goals across all competitions for the German outfit last season, having moved to Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.
Zirkzee 'closing in' on exit
Meanwhile, United forward Joshua Zirkzee could depart Old Trafford. Fiorentina are reportedly in discussions over a move for the Dutchman, who has struggled to secure a regular starting berth since his arrival from Bologna in 2024.
Gazzetta reports that Fiorentina are "in negotiations" over a £4.2million loan deal for Zirkzee, with an option to make the move permanent next summer. The Serie A side are said to have identified the United forward as an "ideal replacement" for Kean, who is poised to join Como.
Fiorentina reportedly face competition from Juventus for Zirkzee's signature, though La Viola are keen to accelerate their pursuit while Juve focus on selling Jonathan David. Gazzetta adds that Fiorentina are "closing in" on a deal to bring the 25-year-old in as Kean's successor.
Zirkzee has scored nine goals in 75 appearances for United since joining the club for £36.5m following an impressive spell with Bologna.
