Man Utd's 7 striker options as Premier League rivals eye Ollie Watkins transfer

Manchester United have spent heavily to fix their goalscoring issue this summer but an out-and-out striker remains on their list and it appears there are a number of candidates for an Old Trafford switch

Manchester United look set to take their summer spending to over £130m sooner rather than later - but they’re still missing a key addition. Matheus Cunha has been signed, while youngster Diego Leon has also arrived at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils still hope to complete a big-money deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, albeit discussions are dragging on. And while United remain keen to get a deal over the line, the real signing that they need to make this summer is a new striker.

Both of their recent additions - Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee - have flattered to deceive when being given the chance to lead the line. And a number of names have since been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

That includes a number of high-profile forwards including Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, albeit Newcastle are also tracking him. Viktor Gyokeres has also long been identified as a target but he now appears primed for a move to Arsenal.

But who could actually be signed before deadline day? Mirror Football takes a look at some of the potential strikers on United’s shortlist…

Having already flopped at Paris Saint-Germain, it appeared that Hugo Ekitike’s chance at a European giant had come and gone. But the Frenchman rediscovered his form at Eintracht Frankfurt last season and interest has been growing in him since.

United have been linked, while fierce rivals Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on developments. Ekitike will not come cheap though, with Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche claiming that his side do not need to sell their star forward.

One of the most promising young forwards in Europe during his initial breakthrough with Italian giants Juventus, Kean’s progress stalled during a spell with Everton - where he scored just two league goals across four years.

But the Italian did show his talent with a loan spell to PSG, before returning to Juventus. The 25-year-old enjoyed the most productive season of his career last term as he hit 25 goals in all competitions for Fiorentina. A €52million (£45m) release clause in his deal would make a move somewhat more affordable.

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Speaking of affordable, ex-Everton striker, Calvert-Lewin is available for nothing after leaving Merseyside this summer. The 28-year-old announced his departure earlier this summer, with a number of clubs keeping a close eye on him.

Calvert-Lewin is certainly talented, having hit 71 goals for Everton in 274 appearances but his constant injury issues would be a concern. Newcastle are also in for the former England man, while Leeds held an interest but have been forced to move on due to Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands.

From one English striker to another now, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins could potentially be available this season. And it appears that United have already been exploring a deal having held exploratory talks with Villa earlier this year.

However, a move for the 29-year-old might not be so straightforward. Villa are expected to demand around £60m for his signature having also rebuffed interest from Arsenal in January.

Newcastle have also discussed Watkins and might be a bigger draw given their spot in the Champions League next term.

Another England international, ex-Leicester forward Vardy has arguably been one of the most consistent Premier League goalscorers over the past decade. He left the King Power last season having notched his 200th goal for the club across a glittering spell.

And he would also be a bargain option given he would be available for nothing. But again, there are some concerns.

Vardy will be 39 in January, which could see him drop down the pecking order. There’s also interest from America, Saudi Arabia and Wrexham so United might be keen to look at other options.

Following a productive five-year spell with Newcastle, striker Callum Wilson confirmed his departure from St James’ Park earlier this summer. So he would be another available for nothing.

But like a few of his colleagues, Wilson comes with a few doubts. The former Bournemouth man has been blighted by injuries during his time in the North East, while his age of 33 might put off United chiefs.

There is however no doubting Wilson’s pedigree having hit 88 goals in 239 Premier League appearances. It just depends on whether United see him as a gamble worth taking.

Ah, Victor Osimhen, what a conundrum you find yourself in. The Nigerian was arguably the hottest property in Europe a few seasons ago after firing Napoli to the Serie A crown.

But a move to Chelsea fell through, while he snubbed a switch to Saudi Arabia. Bizarrely, Osimhen then completed a loan move to Galatasaray, where he has kept up his hot form.

The Turkish giants have attempted to sign him permanently with a number of bids but the Red Devils could yet muscle in having previously held talks with the forward.