Man Utd Lock In on Two Elite Strikers as Transfer Hunt Intensifies
Manchester United have focused their striker search on two primary candidates, with various sources identifying Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško as their top choices.
The Red Devils dedicated the initial two months of the transfer period to strengthening their attacking midfield positions. Matheus Cunha was acquired from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million ($83.6 million) early in the window, though talks for Bryan Mbeumo extended for several weeks before reaching a deal potentially worth £71 million ($95 million) with Brentford.
United's attention has now shifted to securing a genuine striker, with Tuesday seeing widespread reports linking them to both Watkins and Šeško. Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson has been eliminated from consideration due to the Blues' steep valuation.
The Athletic reports that no final decision regarding which striker to pursue has been reached, with both potential transfers being assessed. The outcome may largely hinge on United's ability to generate revenue through player departures.
Plans to profit from Marcus Rashford's sale this summer ended when he moved to Barcelona on loan with merely an option for permanency next season, though United remain optimistic about offloading Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia for approximately £100 million ($133.8 million).
Aston Villa maintains that Watkins, who attracted a £60 million ($80.3 million) offer from Arsenal in January, remains unavailable for transfer, though BBC Sport suggests United anticipate this position may change as the window progresses. ESPN indicates United values Watkins at £45 million ($60.2 million).
This transaction would be significantly more affordable than pursuing Šeško, who represents a high-value target for Newcastle United, but ESPN reports the Red Devils harbor reservations about the expense of either acquisition.
Despite Newcastle being the sole club currently making concrete advances for Šeško, United believe the 22-year-old would prefer a move to Old Trafford if the opportunity presented itself, providing them confidence to postpone their final decision.
Florian Plettenberg, who cites a €80 million (£69.5 million, $93 million) price tag for Šeško, mentions the Leipzig forward values United's interest in securing his services this summer.
Acquiring a new striker would also cast uncertainty over current first-choice Rasmus Højlund's position, whose disappointing goal-scoring record has prompted the search for alternatives. The Danish forward, previously with Atalanta, is believed to have attracted attention from Serie A clubs.