Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have emerged as Manchester United’s top striker targets in the current transfer window.
The club’s hierarchy has acknowledged the need to offload some unwanted players to fund new arrivals, although such deals may not materialise until closer to the September 1 deadline, as reported by BBC sport.
Manchester United is in contact with camps of both strikers to understand the conditions of a potential deal, according to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell.
#MUFC narrow striker search to Ollie Watkins + Benjamin Sesko. Club in touch on both players to figure out suitability + cost.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) July 29, 2025
Nicolas Jackson ruled out due to Chelsea demands.
Watkins is Premier League proven, Sesko has high potential ceiling.
More ⬇️https://t.co/IStdmbxf8B
Newcastle United, still searching for key signings after missing out on multiple targets, is reportedly keen on Slovenian Sesko, who scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season.
With uncertainty surrounding their own forward, Alexander Isak, Newcastle's interest is significant.
Meanwhile, Villa has made it clear that they are not willing to sell England international Watkins, who netted 16 Premier League goals last season.
United believe Villa’s stance could change as the deadline approaches, but they view the £60m asking price for the 29-year-old Watkins as too steep, especially considering his contract runs until 2028.
In the meantime, Rasmus Højlund, signed for £72m this summer, remains United’s first-choice striker despite a relatively quiet pre-season. The Danish forward has yet to score in two appearances and missed a notable opportunity in Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Ham at MetLife Stadium.
United have already brought in three new players this summer, spending nearly £130m on attacking duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, alongside defender Diego Leon.
Cunha and Mbeumo are expected to play in attacking midfield roles, with the club continuing to seek additional reinforcements.
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