Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur ‘to battle’ for Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic | OneFootball

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are in a late-window tussle for Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic as clubs scramble for attacking reinforcements.

United are planning for life after Joshua Zirkzee, who is pushing to leave after a difficult spell of nine goals in 75 games. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests Matanovic has emerged as the preferred replacement.

The 23-year-old, standing six foot five, scored 15 times in his first Freiburg season after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, then lost the Europa League final to Aston Villa.

Tottenham are also credited with strong interest, and Roberto De Zerbi is thought to be keen to add height despite having Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Fiorentina are advancing on a Zirkzee loan yet also eye Matanovic as they look to replace Moise Kean, who is set to join Cesc Fabregas' Como. A stall in talks for Zirkzee could trigger a three-way bidding war.

United's search comes amid a reshuffle after selling Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli, leaving Michael Carrick light up front. Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba have settled, but a cutting edge was missing in the 2-0 loss to Hull City.

If United clear space by moving Zirkzee, they could bid for Matanovic before Tuesday's deadline.

Matanovic’s stock has climbed with club and country despite failing to score in three World Cup outings. He began the new season by scoring twice in Freiburg's DFB-Pokal win over Dusseldorf.

Source: Goal.com

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