Manchester United's transfer plans have taken a twist with the club cooling their long-standing interest in France striker Antoine Griezmann to focus their efforts on signing a target man to replace the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, Torino's Andrea Belotti, and Alvaro Morata, of Real Madrid, are among the No 9s under consideration after United opted against triggering the €100 million ($152 million) release clause in Griezmann's contract with Atletico Madrid.
News that United were now prioritising a direct replacement for Ibrahimovic, who suffered a cruciate knee injury against Anderlecht on April 20 that has raised doubts about his future at Old Trafford, filtered out barely an hour after Atletico had a transfer ban upheld that will prevent them from registering new players this summer.
It was thought that United wanted a new, physical No 9 in addition to Griezmann, whom they had been pursuing for months, in the wake of Ibrahimovic's injury and only last week senior sources at Old Trafford were indicating that the Atletico forward remained a target. But the clear indications from sources close to the club yesterday were that priorities had changed in the six weeks since Ibrahimovic's long-term lay-off.
Those same sources said United retained an interest in Griezmann and would not rule out a move for him in the future.
Yet Atletico have been trying to tie Griezmann to a new contract in recent weeks and the Spanish club may now opt to invest money they cannot spend on signings in a new lucrative deal for the Frenchman.
Griezmann has delivered a series of mixed messages in recent weeks, with threats to leave Atletico followed by pledges to stay. Last night he appeared to signal his commitment to the club by tweeting: "Now more than ever #Atleti #Todosjuntos [all together]".
Jose Mourinho, the United manager, is desperate to bolster his attack after frequently bemoaning his side's profligacy but moves for Lukaku, Belotti and Morata are fraught with complications.
Everton are demanding a world-record £100 million ($173 million) fee for Lukaku, 24, and have a history of getting premium prices for their players. United also face stiff competition from Chelsea, who want to re-sign the Belgium striker three years after selling him to the Merseyside club for £28 million ($49 million).
Mourinho was in charge of Chelsea at the time but is thought to admire Lukaku, who scored 26 goals for Everton last season, and could attempt to use Wayne Rooney as a makeweight in any deal.
Belotti, 23, has shone in Italy this season with 27 goals in 32 games for Torino. But the Italy striker has a €100 million ($152 million) buyout clause, which is a huge sum for a player who remains largely unproven. AC Milan are believed to be leading the chase for Spain striker Morata.
Ibrahimovic has expressed a desire to stay at Old Trafford and Mino Raiola, the Swede's agent, told The London Telegraph that his client may not be out for as long as many expect but where a move for a direct replacement would leave Ibrahimovic - out of contract this month - is unclear.
The Telegraph, London
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