Eric ten Hag says Manchester United are progressing in their bid to sign a new striker.
Rasmus Hoylund is United’s main target and Ten Haag talks to Atalanta’s top scorer earlier this year.
United are not prepared to spend more than £60m on Hoylund after the 20-year-old joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz for £15m a year ago.
“What I can say is that we are doing everything in our power to do it,” Ten Haag said. “For me, as soon as possible, the sooner the better, because we have to integrate him into the team, the way of playing.
“In an ideal situation he was already here, but you don’t always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.
“We’re making progress, yes, but we know how it works and when we have it, we’ll tell you directly. We are not performing well (scoring goals) and we are aware of that. Others also need to contribute in this area and therefore we are also looking for goalscoring ability.
“In Mason Mount we have an extra player capable of scoring goals, creating, putting Rashford in position to score more goals, but as a whole team we need to score more.”
Anthony Elanga has left United’s San Diego camp as he closes in on a £15m move to Nottingham Forest, who are also looking to sign Dean Henderson. Henderson is still recovering from hip surgery and is not ready to play.
United sold Alex Telles to Al-Nasr last week, Eric Bailly and Fred are free to leave, while West Ham have inquired about Harry Maguire. Ten Hag stressed that last season United would need to pay attention to the quality of squad depth, but was tight-lipped about any plans to make more signings beyond new striker Andre Onana and Mason Mount.
“Let’s first, one by one, strengthen the midfield, we’ve settled the goalkeeper situation, we want a front player, then we’ll see what happens,” Ten Haag added.
“From the quantity I’m sure we have enough players to cover it. I am also pleased with the development of some academy players. We need vacancies for them to have the opportunity to earn their position.”