Manchester United are interested in signing Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy in January as Erik ten Hag looks to offer competition for £72 million Rasmus Hjlund in attack.

Since joining Stuttgart on a permanent basis in the summer, the Guinea striker has been in blistering form, scoring 15 Bundesliga goals in 10 games. The 27-year-old is second only to Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane in the top scorers chart, having broken Robert Lewandowski’s record of 11 goals in his first seven games.

Guirassy is available for €17.5 million (£15.1 million) due to a release clause contained when he arrived from Rennes. After a difficult start to Premier League life for Hjlund, who has yet to score or produce an assist, it is known that United have made contact with his agents to discuss a prospective move.

Ten Hag is also said to be interested in signing a right-sided centre-back and two midfielders in January, so any deal for Guirassy may be contingent on finding a buyer for Anthony Martial, who scored against Everton in a 3-0 win on Sunday.

Guirassy is also thought to be on Newcastle’s radar in January as Eddie Howe tries to bolster his attacking options, with West Ham, Fulham, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth previously linked. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian last month, Guirassy stated that he would love to play in the Premier League but did not rule out sticking at Stuttgart until the end of the season.

“I cannot hide these things – everyone knows the Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world,” stated the Premier League boss. “But at the moment, I’m not closing any doors.” There are some very large teams in Europe, and it is not limited to the Premier League. We have such a wonderful team in Stuttgart, and anything is possible in football. We have a strong chance if we keep being humble like we have been thus far.”