Manchester United reportedly had Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen as their two leading centre-forward targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, deals for either at this stage are unlikely, while the Red Devils could also be priced out of a move for Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani.
Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund is currently being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, but the 20-year-old's Italian club could continue to drive up their asking price for the in-demand Denmark international.
As a result, Man United might be forced to look elsewhere this summer at a low-cost option, with a £55m deal for Mason Mount already being agreed, and the club also looking to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Here, Sports Mole identifies three potential acquisitions for the 20-time English champions this summer which would not break the bank.
Mehdi Taremi (Porto)
Man United are believed to be keeping a close eye on Taremi's situation at Porto, with the forward potentially being available for a cut-price fee during the summer market.
The 30-year-old, who has scored 36 times in 68 caps for Iran, could allegedly be available for as little as €20m (£17m) this summer, with his contract due to expire next year.
Taremi was again in brilliant form for Porto last season, scoring 31 goals and registering 14 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions, including five goals and two assists in seven Champions League outings.
The Iranian is a proven goalscorer at the highest level and could prove to be a very smart addition for Man United if the club decide to go for a low-cost option this summer and then potentially attempt to sign Kane on a free transfer from Tottenham next year.
Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
At this stage, it is difficult to see a deal for Morata occurring, with the 20-time English champions not currently believed to be interested in signing him.
However, the forward is expected to leave Atletico this summer, with a number of Saudi Arabian clubs said to be keen to secure his signature from Diego Simeone's side.
Man United were heavily linked with the Spain international in the summer of 2017, but he ultimately made the move to Chelsea, scoring 24 goals in 72 appearances for the Blues.
The 30-year-old had a relatively productive 2022-23 campaign at Atletico, scoring 15 goals and registering three assists in 45 appearances, including 13 goals in Spain's top flight.
Morata is a proven performer and indeed goalscorer at the highest level, and if he is available for a cut-price deal this summer, then Man United could certainly do a lot worse.
Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla)
Man United are currently being heavily linked with En-Nesyri's Morocco teammate Sofyan Amrabat, with both players helping their country to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
The 26-year-old also played against the Red Devils in the Europa League last season, scoring twice against them in the knockout stage at Estadio Ramon, while he managed 18 goals in all competitions at club level last term.
En-Nesyri's record of six goals in 13 appearances in the Europa League and Champions League has led to speculation surrounding his future, with a number of clubs thought to be admirers.
The forward - previously linked with West Ham United - has another two years left to run on his contract, but Sevilla would not be in a position to reject a strong offer from a major European club.
En-Nesyri certainly has the physicality to be able to compete as a centre-forward in the Premier League, and he boasts an impressive record at Sevilla, netting 53 times in 155 appearances for the club, including eight goals in 14 outings in the Champions League.
