New Delhi: Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as they look to bolster their attack ahead of the new season. Despite having two strikers – Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in their ranks, United are keen on adding another target man to their squad. The Premier League giants have made Sesko their preferred option for the striker position.

As per The Athletic, United will prioritise Sesko over other options if they are to sign a striker this summer. Manchester United have already made informal contacts with RB Leipzig over the transfer of the 22-year-old forward. United have long been admirers of the Slovenia international and have been tracking his development for a number of years.

United have already signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to strengthen their attack for the new season, but are determined to rope in another striker after failing to score enough goals in their dismal campaign last season. Hojlund managed to score only 4 goals, while Zirkzee scored only twice in the Premier League, as the lack of goals saw United finish a disappointing 15th last season.

In Cunha and Mbeumo, United have added two Premier League-proven forwards, who can solve their goal-scoring problems next season. But the club are not done yet as they continue their search for a proper striker, who can elevate them to another level. United have made Sesko their no.1 striker target, prioritising him over Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is also on the club’s shortlist for the position.

As per The Athletic, United have decided against pursuing Watkins after being told by Villa that the striker is not for sale. United’s hierarchy is reluctant to pay what they believe would prompt Villa to consider a deal for the English striker. Thus, the club has now shifted their attention towards Sesko, who is one of the most highly rated young strikers in Europe at present.

Benjamin Sesko’s numbers for RB Leipzig

Sesko was first on United’s radar when he was just 16 and playing for Domzale in 2019. The Premier League giants made an offer of 1 million euros for the youngster, but RB Salzburg signed him after agreeing a deal worth 2 million euros with Domzale. United tried to sign Sesko in 2022, but he preferred a move to RB Leipzig, as he didn’t want the pressure of leading the line at a big club like United at such a young age.

United also made an approach for him last year, before signing Zirkzee. However, United are closer than ever to landing the striker this summer and are set to hold concrete talks with RB Leipzig over a potential transfer. Sesko has so far scored 39 goals for RB Leipzig in 87 appearances for the club across competitions since signing for them in 2023.

He has also scored 16 goals in 41 appearances for his national team. Sesko might not have a lot of experience at the elite level, but he is still regarded as one of the best young strikers in the world. Known for his pace, ability in the air and physicality, Sesko is often compared to Erling Haaland and has been dubbed to become a future superstar.

United’s current director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is driving the move for Sesko from RB Leipzig, having witnessed his growth from close quarters at the German club. Vivell served in executive roles at RB Salzburg and Leipzig and is aware of Sesko’s traits and his potential. He has advocated for the striker’s move to United this summer.