Manchester United are set to face Premier League competition for one of the strikers on their transfer list at the club this summer.
Christopher Vivell spent the weekend scouting a player from his former club, as Manchester United are stepping up their search for a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window. The United director was in attendance for the player’s game on Friday.
The director is close to the player, who is on a list internally at the club along with Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The striker in question is likely to cost a whole lot more than Delap, however, with his team putting an £85 million price tag on the player.
Reports last night suggested the Reds had moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for Delap, but the Bundesliga striker Vivell was reportedly scouting has been on a list internally at Old Trafford since before they signed Rasmus Hojlund.
The price tag, however, may turn United off pursuing the player this summer, but Vivell’s relationship with his former club may force them to perhaps accept a lower fee for the striker.
Christopher Vivell scouts Sesko
Manchester United’s new director Christopher Vivell was in attendance Friday night to watch RB Leipzig vs Wolfsburg, according to BILD, with Benjamin Sesko featuring as he watched on from the stands. Sesko is reportedly on a list internally at United, along with Liam Delap.
RB Leipzig has set a £100m price tag for the Slovenian, who has been of interest to the Reds since Ole Gunnar Solskjær was in charge. The side from Manchester missed out on Sesko when he left Domžale in 2019, refusing to match the fee they wanted despite Solskjær identifying him as a top target at the time.
Vivell has known Sesko for a while and worked with him during his time at Leipzig. The director’s relationship with the striker could open up an interesting avenue for the Reds in the race, with Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal also said to be chasing his signature.
It’s possible Vivell could also have been watching Xavi Simons, who United have also been reported to be interested in ahead of the window.
Sesko price may be step too far
United are tight on cash ahead of the summer window, and Sesko’s price maybe a step too far for the club. £85 million would take apart most of their transfer budget, and it’s felt Delap could represent better value for money.
Delap’s release clause is expected to be £30m this summer with Ipswich set to be relegated, and United would be better served signing the England youth international while leaving money over for other positions as opposed to putting all their eggs in the Sesko basket.
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The English striker is somewhat Premier League proven with 14 goal contributions this season, and that may go a long way towards United; Vivell may have been there watching Simons as opposed to Sesko, as the Reds are also looking to add a new number ten to the side as well as a striker.
Delap seems like the most likely signing this summer up front, but if anyone can work out a deal for Sesko, it’s Christopher Vivell.
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