It is revealed that Manchester United still plans to strengthen their attacking line next year by signing a free striker to compete with Šeško! They might also sell Žirkze.

Manchester United invested £200 million this summer to form a new attacking trio, yet the team's goal-scoring has not been as impressive as anticipated. According to British reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos team plans to continue strengthening the forward position next year. Backup striker Žirkze might be let go, and Juventus’s Vlahović could possibly arrive on a free transfer.

Italian media say that Serie A clubs remain interested in 24-year-old Žirkze, who previously played for Bologna and helped them qualify for the Champions League.

Currently, Como, a rising Serie A club coached by Fabregas, has identified him as a potential target. Como aims to be the dark horse in Italy and compete for a Champions League spot. The team has collected 8 points in 5 rounds and sits 8th in the league.

Žirkze was troubled by injury during the preseason and is now clearly a backup, having played only 82 minutes across all competitions. He evidently isn’t highly valued by Rúben Amorim. It is reported that Como has already contacted his agent, with rumors suggesting an agreement has been reached.

Manchester United signed Žirkze last year for £42.5 million, but the Dutchman’s shooting efficiency is too low, relegating him to a secondary attacking role. However, United does not lack such players; Amorim and other coaches prefer forwards who can score goals themselves.

Reports indicate that Manchester United remain interested in Juventus’s Vlahović, whose contract expires next summer, allowing a free transfer. For Sir Ratcliffe, acquiring a quality striker without spending a penny would certainly be an option worth considering.

If Manchester United sell Žirkze and Napoli pay €40 million to buy out the current loan of Højlund, there would be space for another striker. The 26-year-old Vlahović paired with 22-year-old Šeško would form a reasonable striker combination. Šeško ended his scoring drought in his seventh game for United by netting a goal against Brentford in the Premier League, becoming one of the few bright spots in that match.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United might even sign Vlahović cheaply as early as the January transfer window, provided they can sell Žirkze.

Germany’s Bild reports that in the past two weeks, Manchester United have been in talks with Vlahović’s agent, with Bundesliga defending champions Bayern Munich also interested. However, Vlahović’s net annual salary of €12 million is a heavy burden for both Juventus and any potential suitors. By Premier League standards, this equates to a weekly wage of £400,000!

This high wage demand explains why Vlahović had to stay at Juventus despite self-promotion efforts this summer. Whether Manchester United will truly pursue him in the future remains to be seen. Of course, the player’s ability is quite good; he has scored two Serie A goals this season, helping Juventus remain unbeaten and in the top four.

Former Liverpool manager Klopp said in an interview with "Athletic" this week that his role in the Red Bull group involves seeing teams like Leipzig as stepping stones for talented players moving to top clubs. He also hinted that Manchester United no longer serve as the ultimate destination for elite players as they once did.

“We are not the final destination for good players. We are not Liverpool, nor the ‘Manchester United of the past!’” Klopp stated. “If you want, you can quote me on that.”