Manchester United are preparing to sign a new striker this summer, even if their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko proves unsuccessful according to reports.
In his first pre-season at the club since arriving at Old Trafford last year Ruben Amorim has immediately set about bolstering his side’s attacking options.
Goals proved increasingly hard to come by for United last season, with Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes being the club’s joint top scorers in the league with 8.
United have earmarked RB Leipzig striker Sesko as a ready-made solution to their ailing forward line, with the club’s director of recruitment Christopher Vivell a keen admirer of the Slovenian striker.
However, the club face competition from Newcastle who are facing their own striker crisis as Alexander Isak looks to force through a move to Liverpool.
The Magpies tabled an official bid for Sesko last weekend and are understood to be currently in the process of restructuring that offer in a bid to lure the 22-year-old to St James’ Park.
Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on a number of strikers as they attempt to sign Benjamin Sesko
Sesko has emerged as the club’s top target in recent weeks, with director of recruitment Christopher Vivell particularly keen on the 22-year-old
United face competition from Eddie Howe’s Newcastle in their pursuit of the RB Leipzig star
United are in the process of preparing their own formal offer for Sesko but alternative options are available to Amorim should he opt for a move to the North East this summer.
According to a report from The Athletic, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a potential target.
Jackson netted 13 goals in all competitions for the Stamford Bridge club last season as Chelsea were crowned Conference League champions.
Enzo Maresca’s side have made a number of attacking additions this summer, including bringing in both Ipswich’s Liam Delap and Joao Pedro from Brighton.
As such, Senegal international Jackson appears increasingly likely for a move away from west London this summer, with United one of several clubs keeping tabs on the former Villarreal man.
Another potential option for United is French international Randal Kolo Muani.
The 26-year-old joined PSG in the summer of 2023 but missed the club’s historic Champions League triumph last season after being sent out on loan to Juventus.
PSG are reportedly prepared to let the 26-year-old depart the club this summer talks over a permanent deal with Juventus have stalled in recent days according to L’Equipe.
Reports suggest United could move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if their Sesko pursuit fails
Jackson could leave Stamford Bridge this summer after Enzo Maresca signed two new strikers
Juve are said to be determined not to pay a large installment for the £45million-rated forward this summer, instead preferring to spread the deal out over a number of years.
The Serie A side are said to be in pole position to secure Kolo Muani’s signature but a number of teams – including both United and Tottenham – are said to be waiting in the wings should the deal hit a stumbling block.
While Amorim seemingly has a number of alternatives prepared should United’s pursuit of Sesko ultimately prove fruitless, one name the club are reportedly not interested in is Dusan Vlahovic.
On Monday Italian media reported that United are not considering a move for the Juventus striker.
Vlahovic is reportedly one of the highest-paid players in the Italian top flight and Juventus are prepared to move him on to free up funds in the transfer market.
The club are even said to have offered Sesko – who has netted 43 league goals during his four seasons in Turin – directly to United, but the club turned their approach down.
Should United fail to bring in any reinforcements to lead the line Ramus Hojlund looks set to start another season as the club’s first choice centre forward.
The Danish striker has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer but Hojlund recently reaffirmed his desire to stay and fight for his place, even if a new striker is signed.
Randal Kolo Munai is another option if he does not complete a permanent move to Juventus
Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic is not thought to be in the running, with United turning down the opportunity to move for the 25-year-old
‘I think the most important for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we’ll see what happens,’ he said last week.
‘I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot whatever happens.
‘Competition is fine with me, it sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp so I’m welcoming everything that comes. I think it’s good with competition and it only sharpens the team.
‘I’m still very young. I think people forget that sometimes, I’m only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22. But I’ve learned a lot, I think you can see in my game.
‘I’m starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it’s just about sharpening myself and I’ve done very well in the pre-season so far. I’m just focusing on continuing that.’
