22 January 2023 , 03:00
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Manchester United have found a temporary solution to their striker dilemma by signing Burnley star Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season.
United boss Erik ten Hag was after a new striker following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure by mutual consent in November. Although the Netherlands international, 30, has plugged the gap left by Ronaldo, they still need to find a long-term solution in the summer.
Ten Hag and United's recruitment team are currently drawing up their striker shortlist, which includes Harry Kane. They will also be scouting the market to see if there are any late January bargains to snap up. Here are the latest transfer rumours from Old Trafford.
Kane latest
United are monitoring Kane's situation, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Kane has reached a crossroads in his career. The England captain will turn 30 and is set to enter the final year of his contract at Tottenham in the summer, meaning he will have to decide whether to sign a new long-term deal or complete a big-money transfer.
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United would love a player of Kane's calibre. He is regarded as one of Europe's leading forwards and is still young enough to enjoy a few more years at the top. Bayern Munich, who are looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, are thought to be interested.
Harry Kane will enter the final year of his contract in the summer (Getty Images)Who do you think Manchester United should sign? Let us know in the comments below!
Kane's next contract is likely to be the last long-term deal of his career. He needs to choose wisely and will be concerned by the fact he's yet to win a major trophy. His legacy at Tottenham is almost confirmed, as he's on the verge of becoming their record scorer.
If Tottenham fail to agree a contract extension with Kane between now and the summer, United are poised to swoop in. There are no guarantees they will definitely make a move, however, with Ten Hag also considering younger - more unproven - options.
Other names in the frame include Napoli's Victor Osimhen, 24, Ajax's Mohammed Kudus, 22, and Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, 21. Spurs may also refuse to sell Kane to a direct rival, meaning a move to Bayern could be on the cards.
Another Kane alternative
Inter Milan have told United they want €100million (£88m) for Argentina international Lautaro Martinez, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The 26-year-old forward, who scored in Inter's 3-0 victory against rivals AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana on Wednesday, still has three-and-a-half years on his existing deal. It's believed United, Tottenham and Barcelona are all keeping a close eye on him.
Martinez has scored 86 goals in 207 appearances for Inter since joining the Italian giants from Argentinian outfit Racing in the summer of 2018. He was also part of the Argentina squad that won the recent World Cup in Qatar.
Martinez would be a younger option than Kane, although it is unclear whether he would be cheaper. United defender Lisandro Martinez could put in a good word to help lure his compatriot to Old Trafford - but the same can be said about Tottenham's Cristian Romero.
Elanga's limited options
There has been a lot of talk about Anthony Elanga's future - with rumours suggesting he could complete a loan move away from Old Trafford this month.
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The Sweden international, 20, broke into the team under Ralf Rangnick last term but has struggled to hold down a spot under Erik ten Hag. He's started just five Premier League games this season and could build-up his CV by enjoying a spell out on loan.
Borussia Dortmund were linked with Elanga, but those rumours have now been quashed. According to Sky in Germany, Dortmund are not considering an approach.
And, according to the Daily Star, Ten Hag will not allow Elanga to join Everton on loan because he's concerned about the current climate at Goodison Park. Frank Lampard's side are battling relegation and angry fans have confronted players in recent weeks.