Manchester United make progress in striker search amid Kylian Mbappe speculation: report

Manchester United are pushing ahead in their pursuit of a striker this summer according to Erik ten Hag, as the Dutchman also responds to rumours linking his side with Kylian Mbappe.

There are a number of sides interested in signing Kylian Mbappe this summer after PSG put him up for sale, with Manchester United believed to be among them. However, when asked whether the Red Devils will offer a move to the 24-year-old, Ten Hag shot down any speculation.

He said: "We never speak about players who are under contract in other clubs."

Elsewhere, though, the Dutchman has suggested Manchester United are making progress in their search for a new striker, after finally securing the signing of Andre Onana from Inter Milan.

"We make progress," Ten Hag said when asked about United's pursuit of a striker. "But you know how it works - when we have him, we will tell you directly.

"The only thing I can say is we do everything that's in our power to get that done. If it was up to me, yeah, as soon as possible. The earlier the better because we have to integrate him in the team, the way of play.

"In an ideal situation, he was already here but you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation."

Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund has been heavily linked in recent weeks, though Atalanta's reported £86m valuation is believed to be far too high for what Manchester United are willing to pay. Negotiations are currently ongoing, with a resolution expected in the coming weeks for the 20-year-old.

Transfermarkt values Hojlund at £40m.

Manchester United are currently on a pre-season tour in USA, with Ten Hag speaking in San Diego. Jadon Sancho started their last game as a false nine, with the club's only senior striker, Anthony Martial, currently recovering from an injury.

Ten Hag clearly wants the Frenchman fit for the 2023/24 campaign, but suggested he can't rely on Martial for the entire season.

"When you have a player in your squad you have to expect he is available," he said. "Players have to take responsibility. If not, I have to deal with the situation.

"Anthony Martial is a brilliant football player. He will help us score goals. And there are other areas, like pressing and combinations. He's a great player. We hope he is fit and he stays fit."

More Manchester United news

Manchester United transfer news is starting to come thick and fast.

The Red Devils haven't given up hope of signing Victor Osimhen, despite the striker looking set to stay at Napoli. Meanwhile, Ten Hag and co could face competition from Arsenal in the race for Monaco and France defender Axel Disasi.

As for potential outgoings, Nottingham Forest have been linked with a double swoop for two of United's top young talents.