Manchester United Target Sorloth in Late Striker Search

Erling Haaland might not be the only Norwegian target man in Manchester for long. Alexander Sorloth has been offered to Manchester United, with intermediaries putting the Atletico Madrid striker firmly on the table as the club scrambles for a new centre-forward before Tuesday’s deadline.

United’s recruitment team have Sorloth marked down as a genuine option as they push to bring in another striker to support Benjamin Sesko. The 30-year-old Norway international is open to leaving Atletico this summer and is ready to listen if the Premier League calls again, having previously had a spell with Crystal Palace.

United’s need is clear. Joshua Zirkzee has gone to Fiorentina, and Michael Carrick’s side are now weighing up a range of alternatives. The brief is specific: if a forward comes in, he must be a true central presence and a stylistic foil for Sesko, not just another name on the depth chart. Sorloth ticks plenty of those boxes.

Since joining Atletico, the powerful frontman has impressed with his physicality, aerial threat and penalty-box nous. Add in his prior experience of English football and it is easy to see why his profile appeals at Old Trafford. Across his career, Sorloth has racked up 175 goals in 475 matches – the numbers of a seasoned, battle-hardened striker rather than a project for tomorrow.

Atletico, for their part, are not shutting the door. They are prepared to let Sorloth move on, but only once a replacement is lined up. The plan in Madrid is to keep Julian Alvarez, yet Diego Simeone’s side still want another forward through the door.

That search has led them to a familiar set of names. Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus is under consideration, as is former Lille striker Jonathan David. Juventus are also circling around David and exploring a complex potential deal that could involve Sorloth and Nico Gonzalez in some form of exchange. Those talks, though, are becoming increasingly tangled.

Amid that web of negotiations, United have been dragged into the David conversation as well. The Canada international has also been offered to Carrick’s side, who are assessing whether his more mobile, all-round attacking profile could give them a different kind of solution up front.

Mateta, Sarr, Matanovic also in the frame

Sorloth is not alone on United’s list. The club have already held talks with Crystal Palace over Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, though neither deal is straightforward. Financial terms, squad balance and late-window timing are all working against quick resolutions.

United have also cast the net towards younger, less-established options. Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic, Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani and RB Leipzig’s Conrad Harder have all been discussed internally as potential signings with upside and resale value.

Right now, though, Sorloth stands out as one of the more experienced, plug-and-play candidates. His openness to a return to England, combined with Atletico’s conditional willingness to sell, makes this one to watch as the clock ticks down.

There is another twist. Sorloth is a close friend of Manchester City star Erling Haaland, adding a layer of intrigue to the idea of both Norway internationals leading rival front lines in the same city. One in sky blue, one in red, battling for goals and bragging rights.

For United, sentiment will not drive the decision. The priority is clear: find the right forward to complement Sesko or walk away. If the fit is not perfect, there is a real chance they shut the door on the striker market and go into the season with what they have.