Man Utd were chasing alternative to Joshua Zirkzee ‘right up until moment he signed’ in move for in-demand £25m striker’

MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly explored a £25million move for Jonathan David as an alternative to Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutch striker completed a £36m switch to United from Bologna after Euro 2024.

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He’s already made an impact after scoring the winner on his debut against Fulham.

And the future looks bright for Zirkzee as he gets finishing tips off compatriot and Old Trafford legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.

However, the ace almost didn’t join United this summer.

ESPN claims the Red Devils explored several other options while they lined up a deal for Zirkzee.

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One of those was Ivan Toney, who eventually left Brentford for Al-Hilal on deadline day.

But he was deemed too expensive by United’s hierarchy, despite his move to Saudi Arabia only ending up £4m more than Zirkzee’s switch.

Another player in Ten Hag’s sights was Jonathan David, who was also linked with Chelsea.

The Canadian was valued at £25m by Lille, making him a tempting option.

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And United reportedly explored a deal all the way until Zirkzee signed his Old Trafford contract.

It remains to be seen if they return for David in January though.

United offloaded Jadon Sancho to Chelsea before the transfer window slammed shut.

While Antony is struggling for minutes and Rasmus Hojlund is yet to find full fitness.

David is capable of playing across the entire front three.

His contract also expires next summer.

And it means David could be available for a bargain fee in January should any suitors come forward.

Inter Milan and Juventus have already made contact, with the Italians giants ready to offer pre-contracts for a free transfer in 2025.

But David could find it hard to resist the lure of the Premier League.