Manchester United have suffered a significant transfer setback ahead of the winter transfer window.
The Red Devils had reportedly carried out background checks on Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin as they explored options to strengthen their attack.
United are desperate to bring in a new centre-forward in January after learning that Benjamin Sesko could remain unavailable until at least January 2027 because of a persistent shin injury.
According to BBC Sport, Calvert-Lewin is set to sign a new contract at Leeds amid transfer interest from United.
The 29-year-old has been in superb form for the Yorkshire outfit this campaign, netting four goals in eight games.
Massive transfer blow for Man United
Sesko has yet to start a Premier League game this season after missing the entire pre-season while recovering from a shin injury.
The Slovenian subsequently aggravated the same problem last month and has been sidelined ever since.
Many supporters felt INEOS should have signed another striker during the summer transfer window to provide competition and cover for Sesko.
However, the club failed to address that need, leaving head coach Michael Carrick with a frustrating shortage of natural centre-forwards.
Calvert-Lewin would have represented an attractive option for the Red Devils, particularly given his Premier League experience and recent goalscoring form.
The striker joined Leeds as a free agent in 2025 and has since registered 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
With the England international seemingly set to commit his future to Leeds, United must quickly turn their attention to alternative targets.
The Red Devils cannot afford to delay their search and should aim to bring in a reliable centre-forward during the opening week of January.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes have filled in as the number nine but the United attack is crying out for a traditional striker.
Stats from Fotmob.com