Manchester United have turned their attention to Premier League cult hero Marko Arnautovic, according to reports.
The striker is best known for his six-year spell in English football, having spent four at Stoke City between 2013 and 2017 and two at West Ham United between 2017 and 2019.
He currently plays for Bologna in Serie A and has scored 15 goals in 34 appearances since last August.
Italian version La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the 33-year-old is “fascinated” by a return to the Premier League and United are also interested.
However, Bologna are keen to keep hold of their star player and have paid a huge price for the Austria international.
Juventus have also been linked as they look to replenish their front line. It is not the first time that United want Arnautovic.
In 2018, Jose Mourinho was ready to make a move when Arnautovic was at West Ham looking for a move away.
United currently have two senior strikers on their books in Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial.
The France international scored three goals in pre-season but is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
United have signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez this summer and are still looking to add to their squad.
Manager Erik ten Haag was keen to stress ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brighton that it is important to sign the “right player” and not just any player.
“I am convinced that we have a good team and a good team. We can still strengthen, but the team has shown that it can play at a good level,” he explained.
“I’m happy with the current squad – we’re making good progress. I’m happy with the signings so far. You don’t need any player, you need the right player. That’s what we’re working towards.”
United let six players leave as free agents when their contracts expired in July.
Among them are club record signings Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani.