Man Utd's Pursuit of Calvert-Lewin: Bold Move, Risky Gamble, or Pure Madness?

Manchester United are said to be weighing up a move for Leeds United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a transfer that would turn plenty of heads for a host of different reasons.

There are so many layers to this remarkable claim that it's difficult to know where to begin. United's search for a new striker this January is at least somewhat understandable: Benjamin Šeško's ongoing shin injury is expected to keep him out until January, leaving Michael Carrick (or whoever the beleaguered figure in the Old Trafford dugout happens to be by the turn of the year) with only the unpredictable talents of Joshua Zirkzee as a natural center forward.

Even accounting for the constraints of the January window and United's tight financial situation, there are several appealing targets for the Red Devils to pursue. The fan-favorite No. 9 at one of their fiercest rivals was hardly the first name that came to mind.

Nonetheless, Calvert-Lewin is reportedly on Manchester United's radar, according to The Athletic. The Red Devils have not spent money on a player directly from Leeds since Alan Smith made his controversial switch in 2004. For a multitude of reasons, a potential move for Calvert-Lewin would be equally eyebrow-raising.