Manchester United are already exploring the market for a potential Joshua Zirkzee replacement.
Last week, Fabrizio Romano reported that he expects United to make a move for a striker should Zirkzee leave before September 1’s transfer deadline.
Now, it has emerged that United are in advanced talks with Fiorentina over the Dutchman’s switch to Italy. This development should accelerate their own pursuit of a new goalscorer.
Manchester United interested in Igor Matanovic
According to Thursday’s print edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are among the clubs eyeing Freiburg talisman Igor Matanovic.
The 23-year-old Croatian striker has drawn comparisons to Mario Mandžukić after impressing with his aerial ability and decisiveness in front of the net.
Matanovic scored 15 goals and registered four assists across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit last term. He has started this season strongly as well, bagging a brace and an assist in the German club’s DFB Pokal tie against Dusseldorf.
It is believed he has impressed United and Tottenham Hotspur heading into the final days of the transfer window.
Manchester United seemingly in strong position to land Igor Matanovic
The Italian publication says Fiorentina are monitoring Matanovic, who is regarded as the heir to Mandžukić for the Croatian national team.
The ambitious deal is described as “difficult but not impossible” for Fiorentina, with both United and Tottenham thought to be interested in a late move for the Croatia international.
Furthermore, now that Fiorentina are nearing the signature of Zirkzee, they may have already accepted defeat in the race for Matanovic.
Meanwhile, Spurs have landed Omar Marmoush and Savio and are keen on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.
As such, they may not have a space left for another attacker, effectively paving the way for United to go for Matanovic.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 4/10
Why?
✅ The player fits United’s tactical and financial profile
⚠️ Interest in the player not widely reported
⚠️ Source is not particularly reliable for United news
TPP view
Often United’s name is used to drum up interest from other clubs.
Featured image Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images
