Manchester United consider £25m swoop for Atletico Madrid forward Yannick Carrasco

Atletico Madrid forward Yannick Carrasco is on Manchester United’s list of potential signings to bolster Erik ten Hag’s attack before the transfer window closes.

The Belgium international, 28, will be allowed to leave his Spanish club for £25.5 million and is understood to be a serious target for United in the final fortnight as they step up their attempts to land a wide forward.

They also retain an interest in Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, PSV Eindoven’s Cody Gakpo and Antony – who would be Erik ten Hag’s first-choice – although Ajax are reluctant to lose the Brazilian as well as Lisandro Martinez and Sebastien Haller from their Eredivisie-winning team last season.

The price set for Antony remains too high for United. Carrasco has emerged as doubts grow over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club, with Ten Hag prepared to let the unsettled Portugal forward leave as he attempts to breathe life into United’s season.

Atletico have been among the clubs linked with Ronaldo but a deal for Carrasco is being considered in isolation. Carrasco is in his second spell at Atletico, having joined them in 2015 from Monaco and having a two-year spell in China with Dalian Professional before returning to Spain.

United have met with Atletico and while there were suggestions they were bidding for Matheus Cunha or Alvaro Morata – they have considered both – or Joao Felix, it is Carrasco who is the most likely option from a club who need to sell some forwards.

United started the season with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho as wide attackers, with both short on confidence and looking to battle their way back into the England squad with a return to form.

Rashford’s brother – and representative – Duwaine has held talks about a move to Paris Saint-Germain but United do not want to sell the 24-year-old.