Manchester United’s search for a striker has been whittled down to two options in the shape of Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.
With less than three weeks to go until the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Manchester United are stepping up the intensity of their striker search.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insists United are “convinced” they will sign a striker, despite having missed out on top targets such as Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.
Ineos have had to reassess the available options and now Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have emerged as the top two choices.
United have held concrete talks with Watkins over a move, while United’s scouts “love” Sesko.
Ollie Watkins’ stance on joining Man United this summer
So far this summer, Ruben Amorim has shopped in the Premier League to make sure he is adding top-flight experience to his squad.
That could continue if United prioritise a move for Watkins this summer – his record in the Premier League is outstanding having netted double figures in each of his seasons in the top flight.
GRV transfer expert Graeme Bailey exclusively gave United in Focus an update on the striker search:
“Internal Manchester United sources confirm that they are progressing with their striker hunt and work has been ongoing for a number of weeks.
“Footballing boss Jason Wilcox and recruitment chief Christopher Vivell have left no stone unturned on the striker front as they know they need to ‘get it right’.
“They are delighted with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but feel the right No.9 is key to unlocking both of their other attacking recruits.
“Sources confirm that Watkins and Sesko have emerged as the two likeliest options – ahead of other potential options such as Dusan Vlahovic, Tolu Arokodare, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Nicolas Jackson.
“Watkins is held in high regard and has the CV to go with it – having hit top-flight double figures every season he has played in the Premier League.
“Villa are publicly stating that Watkins is not for sale, but they are themselves in the market for other strikers, including Nicolas Jackson.
“Talks with United and Villa took place last week – United asked about Emi Martinez, while Villa spoke to them about Alejandro Garnacho, and we can confirm that Watkins was also spoken about.
“Talks with Watkins’ representatives have also taken place and there is a willingness from the player to move to Old Trafford.”
£70m Benjamin Sesko deal concerns Man Utd insiders
If a move for Watkins is ruled out, then Sesko is United’s alternative. United have already presented an offer for Sesko this week after holding talks with the 22-year-old forward.
However, United will have to beat Newcastle to Sesko with the Magpies also accelerating their interest in the Leipzig star.
Bailey’s update on the Sesko situation suggests not everyone around Old Trafford is convinced:
“Talks have taken place with Sesko’s camp. Vivell knows the player well and has talked up the prospect of the Slovenian arriving at Old Trafford.
“However, the prospect of signing another young striker for around £70million is a worry to some within the club given the situation that has unraveled with Rasmus Hojlund.
“There is also the fact that Newcastle United are in talks over Sesko and are ready to pay Leipzig’s asking price, something we are told United would be unlikely to do.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano reveals ‘special’ Benjamin Sesko agreement as £65m Man United deal considered
“United do have money to spend on a striker, but they do still need to move on from the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho, while Hojlund being moved on remains something both the player and club are open to.
“United remain clear in their belief that they need a new number nine. They are delighted with the work they have done so far but they are not finished.
“There is real hope at United that they could have their new striker in before the start of the new season. Ruben Amorim has underlined he needs that player to lead the line, it sets up his whole system.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
