Manchester United striker hunt leads them to come into contact with old-fashioned centre-forward Raul De Tomas

Manchester United’s search for a new number nine could lead to them making a move towards Espanyol striker Raul De Tomas, according to a report.

Erik ten Hag has been looking for a new attacking option all summer. And the decision to pull out of the race to sign former Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic led them to De Tomas.

Manchester United have tabled an offer of around £7.6m for the 33-year-old. Bologna rejected the offer and United were considering an improved offer of £8.4m. But United have decided to end the whole deal, according to Athleticism.

Bologna would have dismissed Arnautovic from a move. Although there was also a backlash from fans over two alleged incidents of racism.

Alvaro Morata and Mauro Icardi have since been appreciated with a move to Old Trafford.

Morata appeared on United’s radar for the first time on Tuesday, with ESPN claiming that he had was offered to them.

But Atletico Madrid are said to be eager to hang on to the Spaniard.

The situation with Icardi is different, with PSG ready to sell the Argentine striker. American plug TyC Sports reports that the Red Devils are chasing Icardi.

United have offered forwards

The 29-year-old, who joined PSG from Inter Milan for £45million in the summer of 2020, is available.

But, according to Fabrizio Romano in his column for caught offside, United are now being offered the chance to sign 27-year-old De Tomas.

The Spanish striker, who scored 17 La Liga goals last season, is available. And the Madrid striker has been offered to the Old Trafford club.

“A number of high-profile strikers have been offered to Manchester United after negotiations for Arnautovic failed,” Romano said.

“Atletico Madrid are still hoping to keep Alvaro Morata, while Mauro Icardi is out of the PSG project and has been offered to many clubs, but there are still no ongoing negotiations.

“Raul De Tomas is still available on the transfer market and Man United have been informed of the player’s availability.”

£25million bid could land De Tomas

De Tomas has been capped four times by Spain and made appearances against Portugal and the Czech Republic in June.

But it’s not the big-name signing United fans are demanding after their worst start to the season for 101 years.

De Tomas is believed to have a £60million release clause in his contract, but Cope report that an offer of around £21-25m could be enough to secure a deal. What’s more, the same source claims that contacts have been made between the clubs and that “negotiations are open”.

Espanyol CEO Mao Ye said The Grada last week that he couldn’t offer any guarantees on De Tomas’ future.

He said: “There are days left in the market. And there are always possibilities. But we have him in our team.

However, the player wasn’t involved in Saturday’s 2-2 La Liga draw against Celta Vigo.

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