Manchester United are making background checks on Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of a possible winter approach, according to The Athletic.
The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the Premier League campaign, picking up just seven points from eight matches. They were convincingly beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth last weekend.
The lack of an elite number nine has proved dearly upfront. Benjamin Sesko has been nursing a shin injury, and The Athletic claim that he could be on the sidelines until at least January.
The Slovenian would then need to build match fitness, meaning that it could take several weeks into 2027 before the former RB Leipzig star becomes a regular part of the squad.
Hence, United may need to invest in a new striker at the turn of the year. We recently mentioned Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and why he should be targeted in January.
The Athletic now reveal that United have earmarked Calvert-Lewin as a top winter target, but their chances of signing him are remote, given the fierce rivalry with Leeds.
Leeds are also looking to hand a new long-term deal to the Englishman, but United are still making background checks ahead of a possible approach for the 29-year-old.
Man Utd may struggle to persuade Leeds to sell Calvert-Lewin
The 29-year-old has had a terrific career turnaround with the Yorkshire outfit. He netted only 18 goals during his final four seasons at Everton as he was constantly troubled by injuries.
Calvert-Lewin chose to leave the Toffees after nine seasons last year on a free transfer. He netted 15 goals for Leeds in his debut season and has already scored five times this campaign.
The Englishman has been a focal point in Leeds’ attack with his strong hold-up and link-up play. He has also proved a menace in the box, winning an impressive 4.4 aerial duels per game this term.
Calvert-Lewin’s goalscoring and physical presence upfront make him an ideal alternative to the injured Sesko, and it is unsurprising that United are exploring a winter move for his services.
However, Leeds may not negotiate. Calvert-Lewin has another 20 months left on his contract, meaning that the club can delay his future decision until next summer if he snubs a new deal.
Of course, their stance could change if United make a huge offer. In our view, the Red Devils should instead focus on landing Mateta, whose contract with Palace expires in June next year.
The Frenchman has netted just one goal in four outings this term after an early-season hamstring injury, but he has proven his credentials in the English top-flight with 42 goals in the last three years.
Mateta, also 29, would be keen to join United in the next transfer window. A £15m package could be sufficient to sign him, while Leeds could easily hold out for £40m to part ways with Calvert-Lewin.
From a financial and sporting point of view, it makes sense to pursue a deal for Mateta. The club could easily recoup the funds required by selling out-of-favour striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee has been a fringe player for the Red Devils and has yet to start this campaign. Manager Michael Carrick has utilised Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as makeshift strikers.
The Dutchman was on the radar of Everton and several Italian clubs last summer. United could be prepared to accept a cut-price fee for the former Bologna man this winter.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com