Ten Hag answers plea to ramp up transfer business with priority signing talks

Erik ten Hag is ready to ramp up Manchester United's transfer activity with initial talks held with Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic.

United are currently short of attacking options within their squad after being informed that Cristiano Ronaldo wishes to leave less than a year after re-joining, while veteran striker Edinson Cavani was among a glut of exits this summer at the end of his contract.

Ten Hag has already held phone calls with RB Leipzig striker Brian Brobbey, whom he coached at Ajax, while United are also monitoring the situation of Ajax's Antony, who is among the leading transfer targets for Ten Hag.

Ten Hag told reporters earlier this week when asked about more transfer incomings at Old Trafford this summer: "At my first press conference, I said already that definitely we are searching for players in the midfield and I think that we have a need.

"But also, in offence, we are still looking for players. We want to have the right players. We have a really good squad. We are working to develop our way of playing. If the opportunity is there [to sign players], then we will strike."

However, despite Antony telling the Dutch giants that he wants them to consider offers from United this summer - the club's £67.5million valuation of the Brazilian has prompted United to assess other targets.

Have Your Say! Should signing a new striker be a priority for Man Utd this month? Tell us what you think here.

A report from Sky in Germany has now outlined United's interest in Austrian international Kalajdzic, with initial talks already held over the striker. The forward has a transfer valuation of £21million - lower than his true market value as his contract has entered its final 12 months - and would fit into United's summer budget.

Kalajdzic, 25, was limited to just 15 matches last season due to injury but still bagged six goals - bringing his impressive scoring record in the Bundesliga up to 22 in 48 games. Standing at 6 ft 7 inches, the Austrian is the tallest player in the German top-flight.

Stuttgart's sporting director Sven Mislintat has already admitted that a move this summer is likely for the striker: "As things stand, we have to generate another significant transfer surplus in this summer of transfers.

"So, nothing other than the renewed objective of staying in the league is realistic for me. Especially if you take into account the quality of the already determined promoted teams. It would be outstanding if we can keep Sasa as a player and guy in our team. However, in my estimation, this is not very likely."

The striker has also been linked with Premier League trio West Ham, Brighton and Southampton this summer, although United's interest is likely to take the lead if it is fleshed out. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are currently the only senior forwards involved in United's squads due to Ronaldo's exit demands, while Alejandro Garnacho is a promising teenager in the position.