Manchester United are preparing a £45million move for Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha.

Erik ten Hag is desperate to bring in a new striker before the transfer window shuts, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial their only current options up top.

United chiefs have been made aware of the potential availability of the Brazilian, who scored seven goals in 38 appearances in all competitions in 2021-22.

Despite only joining Atleti on a five-year contract last summer, the Daily Mail report that the forward is keen to make the move to Old Trafford.

Former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has been offered to the Red Devils but 23-year-old Cunha is said to better fit the profile of player they are looking for.

Cunha made his first steps in European football with Swiss outfit FC Sion before spells at Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin ahead of signing for Diego Simeone’s men.

With only 39 career goals in 163 appearances, it remains to be seen whether he is the answer to United’s striking woes.

Another option is towering Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic, who is said to be available for £15m. Cody Gakpo of PSV is also on their list of targets.

A separate report in The Sun claims United will look to battle with Chelsea for Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, 35, is another option they are still considering, according to The Athletic.

In other news

Chelsea are set to make an improved offer of £45m for Everton winger Anthony Gordon, 21, after their original £40m bid was turned down, according to The Times.

The Blues are also close to winning the race for 19-year-old Inter Milan midfielder Cesare Casadei, say The Guardian.

The Daily Mail indicate Crystal Palace are prepared to pay £12m for Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo, with Bournemouth and Everton also keen on the Ghana international.