Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Man United approached over Premier League striker who may cost £30m after his 13-goal season

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 11:41 AM ET

Manchester United’s search for a new striker has already seen a few names come and go this summer.

The need for a proper number nine has been clear at Old Trafford for some time now.

Last season, Manchester United had plenty of issues, but their struggles in front of goal were the most glaring. It was obvious heading into the summer that scoring needed to be addressed.

Rasmus Hojlund struggled throughout the season, while Joshua Zirkzee, who was often used in a deeper role under Ruben Amorim, didn’t really look like the answer either.

This has led to several striker targets being considered by United, with the club struggling to secure top targets.

Liam Delap rejected United for Chelsea with the Englishman considered Ineos’ top target this summer up front. Now – over a month on from this rejection – the club remain without a solution to the number nine position.

Nicolas Jackson’s camp make contact with Man United

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

United are still chasing Bryan Mbeumo, but while that search drags on, the club’s main striker targets are slipping away.

That’s left United with few options to consider, and now one of Chelsea’s forwards has been put forward. According to United in Focus, who spoke with football correspondent Graeme Bailey, Nicolas Jackson is now being discussed as a potential move.

Bailey explained that Jackson has come up two years after his £30m move to Stamford Bridge.

“Jackson and his people are concerned by Chelsea’s summer business,” Bailey said. “Arguably you could imagine him as third choice number nine.”

“With this, his people and intermediaries have been in contact with a host of clubs – United included. They are gauging interest and possible opportunities.”

Nicolas Jackson unlikely to be the answer for Manchester United’s striker search

There’s no question United need another forward, but they can’t afford to spend big on someone who doesn’t move the needle.

Jackson has been linked with a £100m price tag, which is hard to take seriously. His real value is probably closer to £30m, making this an unrealistic option for United.

Jackson scored 13 times across all competitions last season for Chelsea – just three more than Hojlund, who managed his tally in a struggling side.

With Amorim already having similar options in the squad, it’s hard to see how this deal would make sense. Ineos are unlikely to find much support for it from fans either.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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