Manchester United are understood to have seriously considered signing Moise Kean during the summer transfer window, only to pass up the opportunity when the forward’s release clause was briefly active.

United’s striker search takes twists

Erik ten Hag’s side originally explored deals for Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha, which together would have cost around £92.5million.

While Cunha ended up joining from Wolves, Delap instead opted for Chelsea in a £30million move.

United then turned to Benjamin Sesko, eventually paying more than double Delap’s fee to secure the Slovenian striker.

The club had also held talks over Ollie Watkins and Viktor Gyökeres, though Arsenal eventually beat them to the Swede’s £64million signing.

Moise Kean clause slips away

According to Tutto Juve, United now regret not acting on Moise Kean’s availability.

The Italy international had a £45million release clause valid for the first 15 days of July, but United opted against triggering it.

Since then, the CIES Football Observatory has valued Kean between £57m and £67m, a similar range to Rasmus Højlund, whom Napoli are obligated to sign permanently following his loan.

Fiorentina secure their striker

Kean, who spent time at Everton earlier in his career, made it clear he wanted to remain in Florence this summer.

Speaking at Fiorentina’s pre-season presentation, he said:

“I am highly motivated to keep going here. Fiorentina gave me so much and always helped me out, now it is good for me to return for this new season with new motivation and ready to give my best for Fiorentina.”

The forward has since committed to a new four-year deal through June 2029, with Sky Sport reporting that his fresh contract includes a £53million release clause – higher than the one United failed to act upon.