Manchester United have identified their number one priority target ahead of January.

Manchester United have just three games left before club football takes a mid-season break to allow the World Cup to run in Qatar from the middle of November right through to mid-December.

While the interruption to the season may be unwelcome by a lot of clubs, particularly those who are on good form such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United, it does provide teams with the ability to prepare for the winter transfer window.

The January market will reopen just two weeks after the coveted international competition ends and so many sides will be hoping to strengthen their squads to ensure that results don’t nose-dive off a cliff.

One team that may be dipping into the market at the turn of the year is Manchester United. Reports have been rife that the Red Devils are keen to bring a centre-forward to the club.

There is a large possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo leaves at the same time. The veteran isn’t playing well and looks lost at times on the pitch. A move may be imminent in the coming weeks.

Furthermore, Anthony Martial’s unreliability since Erik ten Hag has been sitting in the Old Trafford dugout has meant that Man United are very short up front in terms of depth and quality.

According to a report from Todofichajes, ten Hag is looking at Brentford’s star striker Ivan Toney and the European giants will make an attempt to sign the Englishman during the winter window.

The report from the Spanish outlet claims that the Bees are willing to negotiate with interested buyers but are looking for around £43 million to acquire his services.

Chelsea are also interested in signing Toney who has been on excellent form for the London club and will likely go to the World Cup in just a few weeks’ time.