According to sources in Germany, Manchester United has begun talks to sign Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.

Erik ten Hag is eager to add more firepower to his squad in January to relieve the pressure on Rasmus Hojlund, who has yet to score in the Premier League since joining from Atalanta for £72 million.

This season, the 27-year-old has been in superb form for Stuttgart, scoring 18 goals in 13 games. Newcastle United and West Ham United are also interested in signing him next month, with Guirassy available for under £15 million due to a contract release clause.

According to Sky Germany, ‘initial conversations’ have now taken place between Manchester United and Guirassy’s representatives.

According to Bild, Guirassy ‘feels gratified’ by Erik ten Hag’s interest and has not ruled out departing Stuttgart next month.

Last month, Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness did not rule out losing Guirassy in the January transfer window.

‘You can never exclude anything in football, so I won’t do it here,’ he remarked. ‘I believe he is very at ease. Of course, I hope he stays with us for a long time and enjoys himself with us.

A number of other clubs are also interested in his services.

‘But with him and the others, nothing can ever be ruled out.’

United have struggled to score goals this season, with Scott McTominay leading the way with six. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who were both dismissed from the starting XI against Chelsea last week, have only managed two goals each, and while Hojlund has five in the Champions League, he has yet to open his domestic account.

Despite reports of an interest from Old Trafford, ten Hag intimated this week that United may have a quiet January window.

Asked by the United We Stand fanzine if there will be any new additions in January, ten Hag said: ’I don’t think so — and if so, the idea from United should be that if you can strengthen your team, then you should do.

‘What we want from every player that comes to Carrington every day is that they give their all, that they offer their best. As a club, you have to search for ways to improve, so if you can find better and it’s financially feasible and follows financial fair play, I believe the club should go with it.

‘However, in terms of the market, most of the time you don’t attract the best players in the winter.

‘The best players in the world will not quit their teams in the winter. It’s players that have been let down, are injured, or are simply not the right fit.’