Manchester United are exploring the market for a new striker, having struggled for goals in the Premier League during the just-concluded season.
United had earmarked Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap as their first-choice target, but the 22-year-old is now on the verge of joining Chelsea.
The club could now turn their attention to RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko, also on the radar of rivals Arsenal.
The Red Devils have placed the Slovenia international at the top of their shortlist, according to Bild.
Head of recruitment Christopher Vivell watched Sesko in action during Leipzig’s 3-2 win over VfL Wolfsburg last month.
Vivell discovered the striker when he was 16 and facilitated his move to RB Salzburg in 2019.
Sesko was in brilliant form for an underperforming Leipzig side in the recently concluded season, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances.
Man United are unlikely to sign Sesko
Despite their interest, United are unlikely to complete a move for Sesko.
Leipzig have placed a €100 million (£84m) price tag on the forward, and the Manchester outfit reportedly have a transfer budget of less than £100m.
While Leipzig could be open to selling the 21-year-old for around £58.8m, Arsenal’s strong interest would make it more difficult for United to sign him.
The Gunners have already made concrete steps toward securing the striker’s signature, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly keen on him.
United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could also tilt the scales in Arsenal’s favour, making a move to the Emirates Stadium more appealing than Old Trafford.
United are poised to spend a fraction of their budget to complete the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.
As a result, they are unlikely to make big-money signings unless they recoup funds from player departures.
This is proving difficult at the moment unless they sanction the sale of captain Bruno Fernandes.
United could earn as much as £100m from Fernandes’s exit, who is a priority target for Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal.
Stats from transfermarkt.com