Manchester United stance on David Brooks and Josh King transfers

Bournemouth duo David Brooks and Josh King are being considered as fall-back options by United if they are unable to land their priority targets in the transfer window.

Manchester United are tracking Bournemouth duo David Brooks and Josh King ahead of the summer transfer window.

MEN Sport understands the two are among a number of players on United's shortlist if they cannot land their preferred targets in the right-wing and striking positions.

Wales international Brooks is on United's radar as an alternative to their priority summer target Jadon Sancho, the Borussia Dortmund winger who is attracting plenty of interest from around Europe. The MEN reported earlier this month that Schalke's Rabbi Matondo is under consideration from United as a Sancho alternative and fellow Welshman Brooks - who can play out wide or in central attacking positions - fits into the same category.

United tried to sign King on deadline day in January but baulked at Bournemouth's asking price, believed to be in excess of £30million. The forward has since said he "had some faith that it was going to happen" and described the would-be United return as a "dream come true".

United completed a loan swoop for Odion Ighalo from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua instead. And although Ighalo has been a big hit in his short Old Trafford stay so far, scoring four goals in just three starts, his loan is due to expire at the end of this week.

United are keen to tie down Ighalo on a longer deal, but are relaxed about the situation with Shanghai eager to welcome Ighalo back for the start of the new Chinese season.

King came through the ranks at Old Trafford as a youngster before leaving for Blackburn and then Bournemouth and has been a big hit with the Cherries. The Norwegian, 28, was managed by compatriot Solskjaer in the United reserves but took great delight in scoring against his old club in a 1-0 victory for Bournemouth in November.

"I know Ole quite well, he gave me a chance in the reserves," King said in November. "I always speak with him when I see with him, he was my manager for two years and there's a few United lads I still speak to. Ole was great for me."

Brooks, 22, hasn't played any competitive football this season after suffering a serious ankle injury in July. He returned to light training in February and is likely to be fully fit if and when the Premier League season resumes.

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward admitted it wouldn't be business as usual in the transfer market this year due the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic. United lost out on matchday revenue for at least five games as a result of the season being put on hold and also expect to have to repay £15million in TV money.

United's priority targets this summer remain Sancho, the Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish and Birmingham teenager Jude Bellingham. James Maddison is also on their radar but United are prioritising a move for Grealish as they expect Maddison to sign a new contract at Leicester.