Manchester United made 'last-minute' enquiries over potential striker signings as a Deadline-Day contingency plan, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The lowdown
The Red Devils have two centre-forwards at their disposal in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial.
The former pushed to leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window in the hope of securing Champions League football, while the latter's prospects at the club appeared bleak after he was loaned to Sevilla last season.
At least Erik ten Hag did manage to strengthen his frontline, with the £86m signing of right winger Antony confirmed on the final day of the transfer window.
The latest
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that United weren't actively looking to sign another striker but did make contact over some potential options 'just in case Ronaldo left'.
He stated: “They were happy with the Antony signing once they could announce that. Once it was clear that Ronaldo was staying, nobody was going to be coming in.
“Obviously, they made enquiries just in case Ronaldo left last minute, but none of that came to anything.”
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The verdict
United probably will need another striker next summer.
Even if he changes his mind about wanting to leave, Ronaldo will be 38 by the end of the season, leaving the Red Devils in need of a long-term successor.
There must also be doubts about Martial's capacity to play in that role regularly after he was deemed surplus to requirements in the second half of last season, being loaned out to Sevilla.
Who might they be looking at as a successor to that duo?
One potential option is Napoli's Victor Osimhen. Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg recently reported that the Nigerian has been placed 'on the list' because Old Trafford officials see 'a lot of quality and development potential in him'.
It may be that the 23-year-old is their 'top target' in future windows, and having hit double figures in each of his last four league campaigns, he could be an astute option to bring in.