Man Utd transfer news latest: Romelu Lukaku, Mario Mandzukic, Inaki Williams, Marcos Rojo, Paul Pogba

United chase Mandzukic and Williams in hunt for Lukaku replacement

Manchester United are frantically scouring Europe’s store of available strikers on deadline day in an effort to replace the outgoing Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku is in Milan to seal his transfer to Inter, which could rise to £70m with add-ons, and his departure has left a hole in the United squad.

With the emergence of youngster Mason Greenwood over pre-season and the remaining forwards Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still has plenty of attacking options to choose from, but there is a concern that the side lacks a central focal point as well as the option of a more physical No9 who can hold the ball up.

Mario Mandzukic was initially considered in a swap deal with Lukaku heading to Juventus, and while the Belgian has chosen Inter instead, United are now considering a late move for the 33-year-old Croatian international.

Juve are thought to want around £12m for Mandzukic, who scored a crucial goal against England in their World Cup semi-final in Russia last year, and Sky Sports reports that United officials are holding talks with their counterparts in Turin this morning.

Another option is the Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams, who carries a release clause of £81m and could act as a straight replacement for the Lukaku. The 25-year-old is one of the quickest players in La Liga and Spanish media have reported Untied’s interest, but it remains to be seen whether a deal could be done so close to the deadline.

Paul Pogba looks set to stay at Old Trafford for the immediate future, although the departure of his close friend Lukaku could unsettle the France international. Real Madrid still have until the end of August to make a bid, but their position is now made more difficult because United would not be able to sign a replacement until January.

One player who could be set to leave on deadline day is Marcos Rojo. United have a dearth of centre-backs after Harry Maguire’s arrival, with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof and the injured Eric Bailly all hopeful of playing alongside the record transfer from Leicester.

Rojo is understood to be at the bottom of the pecking order and has been told he will get limited game time this season. Everton are interested in taken the Argentine on a season-long loan, having failed in a bid to bring Smalling to Goodison Park.