Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Leeds, with Michael Carrick on the sidelines
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Leeds, with Michael Carrick on the sidelines
The Leeds United striker, 29, has emerged on the radar of the Red Devils' scouting team in recent months after an upturn in his performances in Daniel Farke's side.
His aerial presence, ability to lead the line, and recent improvement in front of goal would, on paper, make him a valuable asset to Michael Carrick's attacking options.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Calvert-Lewin would not represent the type of high-profile attacking signing the club wants to make.
Despite the positive assets to his game, the striker has lingering question marks over his fitness and consistency, and isn't seen as being the level required for Man United.
Leeds, meanwhile, are extremely reluctant to lose Calvert-Lewin and the potential fee involved would likely be well above his true value to Carrick's side.
Could Man United sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
Football Insider revealed back in September that Man United viewed Calvert-Lewin as a potetntial target but were not set to proceed any further towards a deal.
While the striker is likely to be on the club's radar, he will be joined by a number of other attacking options who could become available when the transfer window opens.
Man United are determined to strengthen up front in the near future, but it would be a "surprise" if Calvert-Lewin was the man they chose to pursue in January.
"Man United need a new striker and that is something they've been looking at behind the scenes," Brown told Football Insider.
"They've been addressing a number of options, so of course Calvert-Lewin will be on their radar, because he's playing in the Premier League every week and scoring goals.
"His aerial ability and hold-up play make him valuable, while he has been better in front of goal than we've seen from him previously.
"But it would be a huge surprise if Man United made a move to sign him, because I don't think he's the right profile for a striker if they want to make a statement signing.
"They need somebody capable of turning up week in, week out, who they know can provide the goals and challenge Benjamin Sesko for his place when he returns.
"Calvert-Lewin is far too inconsistent, he's just not the right fit, so yes I'm sure he's on their radar but I think they'll be looking at one of their other targets."
How do Leeds feel about losing Calvert-Lewin?
Regardless of whether or not Man United are interested in signing Calvert-Lewin, any deal will be impossible to agree if Leeds United are not prepared to let him go.
The club's stance will inevaitably be key to any deal, with two years left on his contract, while he remains a crucial part of Farke's ambitious plans for the future.
Football Insider revealed in September that Leeds will not entertain any offers for Calvert-Lewin and have no plans to see him move on in the mid-season window.
So far this season, the striker has scored five goals in 11 games across all compeititons and has been involved in Thomas Tuchel's England squad as a reward for his progress.
That form has led to speculation about his future, and inspired the growing interest from Man United, but it is highly unlikely he will be allowed to leave Leeds.