Man United have been linked to a Premier League free agent this summer to help bolster their attack.
Manchester United have a tough task this summer in ensuring they go into the first game of the season against Arsenal with a rejuvenated squad that can succeed in Ruben Amorim's system.
One of the positions Amorim is most keen to improve is up front after the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled to score consistently last season, prompting United to consider striker targets.
Ollie Watkins remains a big target for Amorim; however, it is understood that Aston Villa don't want to sell the England international, so instead, the Red Devils have been looking at free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as somewhat of a bargain option.
Calvert-Lewin expected to demand £100k per week amid Celtic interest
The former Everton striker would be an underwhelming signing for Man United fans, considering that the club have been linked to the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike and Watkins; however, he would add some much-needed experience and depth up front.
Calvert-Lewin would also save United a lot of money in transfer fees with Watkins expected to cost at least £60m from Aston Villa. 28-year-old Calvert-Lewin has struggled to stay fit in recent years, scoring just 17 Premier League goals in his last four seasons for Everton.
According to CaughtOffside, Man United are serious contenders to sign the 28-year-old alongside Celtic, Bundesliga, MLS and Saudi Pro League clubs. However, they face an issue, as the same reports say that the English striker could demand around £100,000, which would be too much for United.
It's a lot of money to give to a striker who has been limited in fitness and form, to say the least, over the past couple of years, and also someone who could simply end up being a depth piece in Amorim's squad. If Calvert-Lewin's wage demands are that high, it could shoot the Saudi clubs into pole position to sign him, as they would happily pay £100k per week for someone in Calvert-Lewin's position.
Who could Man United sign instead?
In terms of signing a more expensive striker, United's business depends upon the sales of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and more, so that they can afford the bigger transfer fees.
One of the semi-cheaper names that Man United have been linked to is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is expected to command a fee of around £30m plus, as that is his estimated market value, according to TransferMarkt. Vlahovic has fallen out of favour at the Serie A club, despite scoring 17 goals in 44 games last year.
Furthermore, Ivan Toney is another potential cheaper option, with reports in June claiming that United were to offer just under £30m for the England international. Since leaving Brentford for the Saudi Pro League, Toney scored 30 goals in 44 games. He could be tempted with a move back to the Premier League.
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