Erik ten Hag has publicly doubled down on his desire to sign a new forward after Manchester United saw their attempts to sign Cody Gakpo gazumped by arch-rivals Liverpool.
The Red Devils had recently opened talks with the PSV Eindhoven star, only for Jurgen Klopp and co to swoop in over the festive period and officially agree a £45million deal under United's noses. Gakpo's imminent move leaves Ten Hag assessing alternative options, but the purse strings are tight at Old Trafford and Mirror Football understands that club chiefs are prioritising loan deals.
"Our squad is double occupied on most positions, but not up front," the Red Devils boss admitted to Viaplay ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash at home to Nottingham Forest. "We are looking for an attacking player. I won't tell you the profile. There are options, and we are working on a few options. If it meets our financial and sporting wishes, we will strike."
Ten Hag made Dutch compatriot Gakpo his priority target for January after opting against pursuing a deal over the summer. United were reported to have agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old before choosing to sign Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax instead, all for the much more expensive price of £86million.
Gakpo is now en route to Merseyside for a medical and will firm up Liverpool's charge for a top-four finish after a disappointing first half of the season. On the other hand, United are now scouring the transfer market as they bid to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford in acrimonious circumstances last month.
Ten Hag first confirmed that he wanted to sign a forward to offset Ronaldo's departure while leading the Red Devils' mid-season training camp which took place during the World Cup. "But only when we find the right player," the Dutch tactician noted to the Athletic. "We will do everything in our power. We are doing research at every opportunity and we will do everything we can (to sign them) if that opportunity is there."
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Unfortunately for Ten Hag, one of those won't be Gakpo, as a statement from PSV read on Monday: "PSV and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement on the upcoming transfer of Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old attacker will immediately leave for England where he will undergo the necessary formalities to complete the transfer.
"Both clubs are not making any announcements about the transfer fee. PSV general manager Marcel Brands added, 'But this is a record transfer for PSV'. The PSV management completed the transfer on Boxing Day and gave Gakpo permission to travel to England."
