via Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about the possibility of signing Benjamin Sesko, but Manchester United are not prepared to sell the striker this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
Sesko experienced a mixed opening campaign in English football last term, although he found his feet toward the end of the season under Michael Carrick, ultimately finishing the year with 12 goals in 32 appearances. Despite this promising return, prospective suitors believed United may be willing to sanction a premature departure for the Slovenian this summer.
Tottenham have made their interest known to the Red Devils, while Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also said to be monitoring Sesko.
A hefty offer could always sway United, but for now, their stance on the player's future is that they won't let him leave before the end of this transfer window.
Tottenham Make Benjamin Sesko Enquiry
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Sesko's mixed form last season, combined with several links between United and new forwards, led clubs across Europe to believe that the 23-year-old could be available this summer.
TEAMtalk report that Spurs are among the list of sides keeping close tabs on the former RB Leipzig man's situation. The Lilywhites have reached out to Old Trafford executives to proclaim their interest in the player.
However, the same outlet suggest that United are instead looking to fend off the interest and are eager to add more firepower around Sesko, rather than replace him.
Carrick and his coaching staff were impressed with the number nine's performances in the latter half of last season and are eager to keep developing the player, who they view as having superstar potential.
The north-west club paid a fee worth around £74 million with add-ons for Sesko's services last summer. While the reporting indicates that they have no interest in selling the centre-forward, it's not unreasonable to believe that a substantial offer could seduce them to change their mind on this front.
If Spurs were to stump up a proposal in the region of £100 million, there's every possibility that they would land Sesko this summer.
Spurs chiefs Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Spurs chiefs Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham Should Focus on Other Striker Targets
Nicolo Tresoldi
Tottenham could pay over the odds for Sesko, but they probably shouldn't. While he's certainly an impressive talent with all the tools to develop into something special, the Lilywhites cannot afford to take this expensive gamble after already spending big money on the likes of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes this summer.
Instead, they should explore other options on their striker shortlist. Junior Kroupi is no longer a candidate after sustaining a serious foot injury last week, although there are some more under-the-radar links which have surfaced in recent weeks.
Club Brugge's Nicolo Tresoldi has been mooted as a target, while Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani has also been linked.