Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Juventus attacker Dusan Vlahovic as an ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Serbia international was one of the most sought-after strikers on the market in January when it became clear that his time at Fiorentina was coming to an end.
Arsenal were thought to be at the head of the queue for Vlahovic's signature, but the 22-year-old snubbed interest from North London to join Massimiliano Allegri's side.
Vlahovic has come up with 17 goals and three assists in 36 appearances for Juventus since his winter arrival, including eight strikes from 15 games in all tournaments this term.
Vlahovic's contract at the Allianz Stadium is not due to expire until the summer of 2026, but his future in Turin has been called into question amid the Old Lady's recent struggles.
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Arsenal have been tipped to reignite their interest in the former Partizan man, who is not thought to have any interest in joining the Premier League leaders, while Chelsea have also been linked with a move.
According to The Telegraph, Man United have now emerged as potential suitors for Vlahovic's signature should the Serbian be deemed expendable by Allegri.
The Red Devils failed to sign a new out-and-out striker in the summer, despite Cristiano Ronaldo's alleged desire to leave the club, which did not come to fruition.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is widely expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent at the end of the season, though, which would lead Man United to prioritise the signing of a new centre-forward.
As well as Vlahovic, Man United are also thought to have identified Red Bull Salzburg starlet Benjamin Sesko as an ideal acquisition should a space open up in Erik ten Hag's attack.
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However, the Slovenian is already due to join RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, which would make a swoop extremely complicated for Ten Hag's side.
Tensions between Ronaldo and Ten Hag hit boiling point last month, as the Portugal international refused to come on as a substitute in his side's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Ronaldo was briefly dropped from the squad as a result, but he has since patched things up with his manager and has played the full 90 minutes in each of Man United's last three games in all tournaments.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus man has only scored three goals in 15 appearances in 2022-23, though, and Man United are not expected to exercise their option to extend his stay until 2024.
Victor Osimhen, Joao Felix and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford should Ronaldo depart in the summer.
Ben Knapton
