A Premier League striker has decided he is “really keen” on a move to Manchester United, with the club focusing on a deal to secure Benjamin Šeško.
Manchester United have been searching for a centre forward almost all summer, dating back to the beginning of the window when they were pursuing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. However, he chose to move to Chelsea to reunite with his former Manchester City coach, Enzo Maresca.
Attention then turned to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha, who joined Rúben Amorim’s squad for £62.5 million. The Brazilian has played as a striker in pre-season, but most fans believe that he will play the majority of his minutes as a left-sided attacking midfielder.
Bryan Mbeumo could also be a centre forward option, but he played 45 minutes as the right-sided No.10 during his debut against Everton. The former Brentford forward could be wasted as a striker, as he often comes deep or drifts wide to link play.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško appears to be the favourite to sign for United after the club officially submitted a bid for the Slovenian striker. While he hasn’t yet decided who he will join, Newcastle United have also submitted an offer for Šeško, believed to be worth more than United’s.
Even if Šeško does sign for United, Jason Wilcox could pursue another striker, especially as Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee could still leave the club. Both strikers have been linked with moves away from Old Trafford this summer.
Watkins wants United move
United submitted their opening offer for Sesko on Tuesday, a clear indication of their intent to sign the Slovenian striker. Newcastle United remain interested, but it appears that the final decision will come down to the player, who has an agreement on personal terms in place with both clubs.
Despite United’s clear preference towards Šeško, The Sun has reported that Ollie Watkins is “really keen” on a move to Old Trafford and £40-£50 million could be enough to sign the Aston Villa forward.
Paying over £40 million for a backup striker is unlikely, but Watkins’ experience could prove to be “perfect” for United’s young striker force. Šeško and Højlund are both only 22 years old, Zirkzee is just 24, and Chido Obi turns 18 at the end of November.
England’s second-choice striker could be the perfect option for Amorim next season, providing a different profile to those already at the club. Although with a goalkeeper and midfielder still being looked at, signing two centre-forwards has to be considered unlikely.
United to turn their attention to midfield
Once the striker signing has been completed, United will almost certainly turn their attention to midfield targets, with Morten Hjulmand reportedly the “priority” target. However, interest from Juventus could hinder the Red Devils if they don’t make a move soon.
Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have both struggled to nail down the defensive midfield position during their time under Amorim, so a ball-winning midfielder signing would be sensible for United, with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo options as the more creative players in the double pivot.
Douglas Luiz has been linked to the Red Devils throughout the transfer window, with Juventus looking to move on the Brazilian as quickly as they can, due to his poor season in Italy.
However, Amorim may choose to trust the options already at the club, including Toby Collyer and Sekou Kone, with neither confirmed to be leaving on loan just yet. If United don’t move for a midfielder, they could focus on the sales of Alejandro Garnacho and the rest of the “Bomb Squad”.
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