Manchester United might see Wout Weghorst as a short-term solution to their attacking issues, but Erik ten Hag's side have bigger ambitions in the long run.
The mid-season departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has prompted speculation about significant investment in attack, and it could well be the case that Erik ten Hag looks for a marquee signing over the summer. Qualification for the Champions League would help in that regard, with the upcoming Manchester Derby set to provide a reminder of where the 2020-21 runners-up stand in relation to the rest of the top four.
Some familiar names are in the headlines amid reports of a big-money summer approach, but there are also some fresh reports from England and further afield. Here are the latest lines from around Old Trafford.
Kane among summer targets
Manchester United are expected to go in for a big-name striker over the summer, with Harry Kane among their targets. That's according to ESPN, who name the England captain among three potential signings.
The other two players linked with a summer move are familiar names for Man Utd fans. Victor Osimhen has long been linked with a move away from Napoli, who currently lead Serie A, while youngster Benjamin Sesko remains on their radar after a 2022 move failed to materialise.
Slovenia forward Sesko remained at Red Bull Salzburg, where he has kicked on after a breakout season last term. RB Leipzig have a deal in place to bring him to Germany in the summer, but ESPN reports that a fresh offer could yet see the Bundesliga side bought out of the deal and the 19-year-old end up at Old Trafford.
Walker-Peters a right-back option
Man Utd have joined Chelsea in the race for Kyle Walker-Peters, according to talkSPORT. The right-back is under contract with Southampton until 2025, but has reportedly stalled over a new deal.
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Walker-Peters has been with the south coast club since 2020, when he joined on an initial loan from Tottenham. He has been a regular under both Ralph Hasenhuttl and Nathan Jones this season, and scored his only goal of the campaign against Leeds in August.
United's pursuit of the England international is likely to hinge on the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The £50m man, who made his first start of the season in December, has been linked with the likes of West Ham and Wolves.
Bernard targeting loan move
Academy talent Di'Shon Bernard is eyeing up a January loan exit, after recovering from a long-term injury. That's according to the Manchester Evening News, who report that the defender is keen to spend the remainder of the season in the Championship.
Bernard, a centre-back, was sidelined through injury until December. However, he returned to feature against Cadiz in a mid-season friendly and captained United's under-21 side in a recent Premier League 2 win at Fulham.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Hull City, helping the Tigers stay in the Championship after earning promotion the previous year. Any move, the MEN reports, is likely to require assurances of playing time in the second tier.
