Despite Harry Kane being their top target ahead of the transfer window opening next week, Manchester United have not been naive enough to limit their striker search to just him.
Manager Erik ten Hag has pinpointed the addition of a world-class front man as his primary mission ahead of the start of next season with United desperately in need of upgrading their attacking options. Despite Marcus Rashford plunder 30 goals in all competitions this term, the Reds still lack a dependable out-and-out No.9.
Kane, who scored 32 times for Tottenham Hotspur this term, was identified as Ten Hag's top target back in March, but United are operating under the assumption that the Londoners will refuse to sell him this summer, despite the England captain entering the final 12 months of his contract. Chairman Daniel Levy is a stickler when it comes to transfer business, particularly when dealing with Premier League rivals.
United have put together a shortlist of six strikers. They are prepared to leave no stone unturned in their hunt for a goal-getter and have expanded their search across Europe.
READ MORE: Randal Kolo Muani addresses his future amid United interest
Napoli ace Victor Osimhen is considered the most exciting name on the list behind Kane while Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, who is understood to be an attainable target this summer, is also attracting plenty of attention. Ten Hag, as revealed by the Manchester Evening News last week, has had several video call discussions with Hojlund.
Another option under consideration is Eintracht Frankfurt ace Randal Kolo Muani. He enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in Germany after joining Frankfurt on a free transfer last summer.
Snapped up on a pre-contract agreement ahead of his deal at Nantes expiring, the 24-year-old plundered 23 goals and grabbed 17 assists in all competitions in his first season at Deutsche Bank Park. Fifteen of his 23 goals came in the Bundesliga, meaning only Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku, who both got 16, scored more.
Kolo Muani also registered 14 assists in the Bundesliga, meaning he directly contributed to 29 league goals in just 32 games. It is an astonishing record that nobody else in the division could match.
With such impressive numbers to shout about in two important categories, it is little wonder that Kylian Mbappe, who is a teammate of Kolo Muani's at international level with France, waxed lyrical about him earlier this year. After impressing in France's 4-0 win over the Netherlands in March, Mbappe thought the Frankfurt ace was unfortunate not to score.
"He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play," Mbappe said.
"We are happy with the game he played and I hope he scores tomorrow (vs Republic of Ireland). We will try to get him to score a goal."
Kolo Muani didn't score against Stephen Kenny's side but he did impress, meaning he could be knocking on the door to become a regular starter for France at next summer's European Championship, provided they qualify for the tournament in Germany.
Kolo Muani has only made seven appearances for France at senior level, with one of those in last year's World Cup final. He stepped off the bench just before half-time with France already 2-0 down and he provided an assist for one of Mbappe's three goals.
He also scored in the semi-final win over Morocco after coming off the bench, highlighting his ability to play at the highest level. He's got the backing of Mbappe and might United could bump him up their shortlist.
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