Manchester United 'lining up cut-price move for Porto forward Mehdi Taremi'

A brace in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Copenhagen in the Champions League saw Hojlund become the team's leading goalscorer this season on five, although he is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are joint-second with four goals, while Scott McTominay has three, but Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have only managed one each this term.

A recent report claimed that the 20-time English champions are determined to sign another forward in January to ease the burden on Hojlund, particularly as Jadon Sancho is set to move on.

Man United are unlikely to be in a position to move for a big-money striker in January, while large transfers in the winter window are rare due to the complex nature of mid-season moves.

Taremi's future has recently been the subject of speculation, as his contract with Porto is due to expire at the end of the campaign, and he is not expected to sign an extension.

Man United were linked with the Iran international over the summer, while Real Madrid are also thought to be keeping a close eye on his situation with a view to potentially moving for him in 2024.

According to InterLive, there is also firm interest from Inter Milan, but the Italian giants are behind Man United in the race for his signature.

The report claims that the Premier League giants are lining up a €10m (£8.8m) offer, while they would be prepared to pay him a salary of €4.5m (£3.9m) per year after tax.

Man United are allegedly willing to offer him a contract until June 2027, and Porto are said to be open to a sale in the middle of the season rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.

The Iranian joined Porto from Rio Ave in 2020, and he has represented the Dragons on 162 occasions in all competitions, scoring 83 goals and registering 52 assists.

The 31-year-old has again been a regular for the Portuguese giants this season, making 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

Taremi has netted twice in Portugal's top flight in 2023-24, while he has one goal and two assists in four Champions League outings, with Porto currently second in Group H.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to purchase 25% of Man United will reportedly go through over the next two weeks, and he is expected to be involved in the club's plans for the January window.