Manchester United now want to sign a “crazy” Viktor Gyokeres alternative who scored 31 goals in the 2024-25 campaign, a report has revealed.

Gyokeres edging closer to Emirates move

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has now expressed a desire to wrap up a move for Gyokeres as soon as possible, having travelled to Portugal to discuss the terms of the deal.

The Swedish striker joining the Gunners could be viewed as a major blow for United, given that he scored a remarkable 54 goals in all competitions last season, and Ruben Amorim was known to be desperate to reunite with his former player.

United’s striker options are woefully thin, with Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha not out and out number nines, Chido Obi very inexperienced and Rasmus Hojlund still struggling to find his feet.

Thankfully, there are a number of alternative options on the shortlist, with the Red Devils believed to be in pole position for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who was prolific in front of goal on loan at Galatasaray last season.

According to a report from Spain, Man United may also be willing to take a punt on more of an unknown quantity, with it being revealed they now want to sign Almeria striker Luis Suarez, off the back of an impressive campaign in the Spanish second tier.

Man Utd now set to accelerate talks to sign "fantastic" £35m forward

The Red Devils’ pursuit of a centre-forward is expected to move quickly.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 8, 2025

United have joined several Premier League and Serie A clubs in the race for Suarez, with Almeria likely to find it difficult to keep hold of their star player beyond the summer, given that they failed to achieve their goal of promotion to La Liga.

A deal would not break the bank for the Red Devils, however, with the Spanish club believed to be holding out for a fee of at least €25m (£22m), amid the widespread interest in his signature.

Signing "crazy" Suarez could be gamble for Man Utd

The Almeria star undoubtedly had a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, netting a total of 31 goals in all competitions, but there are doubts over whether he is at the level to lead the line for Amorim’s side.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

La Liga

41

27

8

Copa del Rey

2

4

0

Notably, the Colombian hasn’t exactly set the world alight in his previous La Liga campaigns, netting just four goals for Almeria in the 2021-22 season.

At 27-years-old, the centre-forward could now be entering his prime, but having never proven himself at the top level, it would be a real gamble for Man United to make a move this summer.

That said, Suarez has been lauded for his “crazy” quality by scout Jacek Kulig, and at £22m he would be an affordable signing for Man United, so it could be worth bringing the Almeria in alongside a more proven striker.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is personally leading the charge to sign a “powerful” player, with an offer now ready to be submitted, according to a report.

Berta taking hands-on role at the Emirates

Having laid the foundations, the Arsenal hierarchy believes now is the time for the team to start winning silverware, and Berta has a big role to play, with the Italian regarded as a master negotiator, capable of being involved in multiple deals at once.

The 53-year-old is taking a hands-on role at the Emirates Stadium, attending training sessions and press conferences, while also putting in work behind-the-scenes to secure agreements for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.

There have been some disagreements with Mikel Arteta, however, especially when it comes to which striker they should bring in, with Berta keen to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while the manager would prefer to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Berta is simultaneously working on moves for both strikers, indicating a decision is yet to be made as to which striker is the preferred option, and the north Londoners are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch.

That is according to a report from Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), which states Berta is now leading the charge for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has recently been identified as a key target by Arteta.

Saka will love him: Arsenal agree initial fee to sign £60m "monster"

Arsenal could be growing closer to signing a new striker.

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 29, 2025

Such is Arsenal’s level of interest, they are now ready to submit an offer in the region of €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m) for Mosquera, with around €3m – €5m (£2.6m – £4.3m) of the higher amount based on bonuses relating to performance.

Berta is said to be key to the deal, with the sporting director retaining a long-term interest in the 21-year-old, having also targeted him during his time with Atlético Madrid.

"Powerful" Mosquera could be ideal centre-back signing

With any new centre-back signing unlikely to immediately take Gabriel or William Saliba’s spot in the starting XI, it would make sense to bring in a younger centre-back, capable of replacing one of the first-choice options on a long-term basis.

The Valencia star is showing very promising signs in La Liga, having now established himself as a key player, missing just one La Liga game last season, while the defender has also received high praise from former youth coach Miguel-Ángel Angulo.

Angulo said: “He’s characterised by a physical condition and good technical qualities, powerful in the air, and mature for his age.”

Having also received plaudits from Statman Dave, Mosquera is clearly an exciting young player, who could provide Arsenal with the depth to compete on all fronts next season, before going on to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.

The spin-bowling consultant says the team is heading in the right direction and could start winning more away from home

Mohammad Isam15-Aug-2024

Shakib Al Hasan and Mushtaq Ahmed have a chat•AFP/Getty Images

Bangladesh’s spin-bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmed says that Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim have lifted the team’s morale ahead of the Test series against Pakistan.”All the players are excited about the first Test match,” Mushtaq said. “Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim are the senior players. They are playing a positive role with the guys. I also give credit to the management who has been good with the players. The focus is on cricket now.”The Bangladesh players arrived in Pakistan on August 13 upon invitation from the PCB, after the BCB could not arrange a full team practice session with head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe due to political upheaval in Dhaka. Shakib reached Lahore on Wednesday and joined the team in their training sessions hours later.Related

T20 WC blues behind them, Pakistan and Bangladesh switch focus to red-ball cricket

Shakib and Mushfiqur: the yin and yang of Bangladesh cricket

Hathurusinghe on the protests in Bangladesh: I hope the students' questions will be answered

Bangladesh look to shut out the noise and find rhythm in Rawalpindi

Injured Mahmudul out of first Test against Pakistan

Before that, he was playing for Bangla Tigers Mississauga in the Global T20 Canada where he had an eventful week. He played a match on August 5, mere hours after the Awami League government fell in Bangladesh and the prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India. As a result, Shakib lost his seat in the parliament and was booed by fans during the game.He was then embroiled in controversy for not showing up for the toss in Bangla Tigers’ eliminator match against Toronto Nationals, which led to his team forfeiting the game.Mahmudul Hasan Joy was among several Bangladesh Test regulars to get some game time ahead of the Pakistan Tests•PCB

Mushfiqur is currently playing a four-day game against Pakistan A in Islamabad. This is a rare occasion when a Bangladesh A tour is connected closely to the senior team’s tour of the same country. Although the match has been affected by rain, it provided much needed game time for Mushfiqur, who last played a Test ten months ago. Other red-ball regulars – Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nayeem Hasan and Hasan Mahmud – are also playing in this match.Bangladesh have only won one Test series of two or more matches abroad, against West Indies in 2009. But Mushtaq believes they could start winning more Test matches away from home.”A cricketer has to have basics and belief to do well at this level, otherwise he loses the battle,” Mushtaq said. “Skill-level looks after itself. We will give them the belief that you can beat anyone. Bangladesh is a good side. You saw that they challenged good teams in the World Cup. They are getting good fast bowlers. They are going towards a good direction. If they keep learning and keep believing in themselves, hopefully, they can start winning games outside.”Mushtaq also praised the Bangladesh spinners, saying they were eager to learn and quite receptive to his suggestions Legspinner Rishad Hossain has really levelled up under Mushtaq’s guidance and was the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker at the recent T20 World Cup.”The spinners are very mature. They are keen to learn. My role is to talk about tactical and technical things. You have to wait for the technical things for after the match. Tactically, you have to tell the spinners which angle to use, how to read the pitch, what pace to use, field settings for particular batters. You need reminders despite your experience.”Taijul [Islam] and [Mehidy Hasan] Miraz are match-winners. They are a great bunch of guys. They are coachable people. They are good listeners. I am honoured to be working with them. Hopefully, I can make a difference for them.”

حقق فريق اتحاد جدة الفوز بصعوبة على منافسه الفتح، بنتيجة 4-2، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري السعودي للمحترفين.

والتقى اتحاد جدة نظيره الفتح في لقاء جمع بينهما اليوم الجمعة، ضمن الجولة الثانية لمباريات الدوري السعودي للمحترفين، على ملعب الإنماء.

طالع| التعادل السلبي يحسم مباراة الأهلي والاتفاق في الدوري السعودي

وتقدم حسام عوار لفريق الاتحاد بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة 22، وتعادل ماتياس فارجاس لفريق الفتح في الدقيقة 33.

ونجح الهولندي ستيفن بيرجوين في تسجيل هدفين لفريق الاتحاد في الدقيقتين 35 و39، قبل أن يقلص الفتح النتيجة عن طريق سفيانت بن دبكة في الدقيقة 69، ليسجل الاتحاد الهدف الرابع في الدقيقة 91 عن طريق الشنقيطي.

وشهدت المباراة طرد لاعب الفتح، مراد باتنا، في الدقيقة 2+45 بعد حصوله على البطاقة الصفراء الثانية، كما تعرض لاعب الاتحاد رايكوفيتش للطرد في الدقيقة 58.

وبهذه النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد الاتحاد للنقطة السادسة في صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي، بينما يبقى الفتح دون نقاط في المركز الـ14. أهداف مباراة الاتحاد والفتح اليوم في الدوري السعودي

حسام عوّار يمنح الاتحاد التقدّم أمام الفتح ⚽️📹 pic.twitter.com/l7sJ7tacVJ — رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) September 12, 2025

الاتحاد يردّ على الفتح ويستعيد التقدّم عبر ستيفن بيرقوين ⚽️📹 pic.twitter.com/PFqRi6yLlP — رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) September 12, 2025

ستيفن بيرقوين يسجّل الثنائية ⚽️✌️

الهدف الثالث للاتحاد في مرمى الفتح 📹 pic.twitter.com/liDvK6nYu4 — رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) September 12, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur now face stiff competition from a rival Premier League side in the race for a “playmaker”, according to a report, with Thomas Frank looking to reinforce his squad in a few key areas ahead of his first full season in charge.

Related Tottenham may hijack Nottingham Forest bid for "unbelievable" £50m forward

Spurs are in the race for a major Nottingham Forest target…

Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 13, 2025

Spurs have made a splash in the summer market already with their £55 million deal for winger Mohammed Kudus, which ended a 14-year unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and their London rivals.

Kudus has been pictured in Lilywhites training as the club prepare for their first pre-season game of the summer against Reading this weekend, with the Ghanaian joining Mathys Tel and Kota Takai as Daniel Levy’s first three official signings of the summer.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

In an ideal world, Kudus would’ve been joined at Hotspur Way by Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who was expected to undergo a medical last Friday before a £60 million switch from the City Ground.

However, in a very unexpected turn of events, the Englishman’s transfer is being significantly delayed, with Forest taking legal action over what they believe was an illegal approach from Tottenham for their star attacker, as first reported by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

That being said, some confidence remains that Gibbs-White will eventually seal a move to Spurs (Alasdair Gold), so their potential £115 million double-swoop for the 25-year-old and Kudus is still alive.

Forest are complaining to the Premier League, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side raising concerns over how Spurs became aware of ‘confidential details’ in his contract (Standard Sport).

Interestingly, Forest are “adamant” that Gibbs-White is not for sale (Sky Sports), but Spurs are still hopeful of doing the deal.

As Spurs wait for the green-light to sign-off on Gibbs-White’s transfer, they do have their eyes on other transfer targets, with Levy reportedly after a holding midfielder and a number six as well (TBR Football).

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported last week that Tottenham have held talks with £138,000-per-week Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s representatives, and the Old Lady will allow him to leave Turin this summer after a lacklustre debut campaign in Serie A.

Everton threaten to hijack alleged Tottenham talks with Douglas Luiz

Now, according to Calciomercato, Spurs may not have a free run at signing the Brazilian, with Everton threatening a move of their own.

The Italian news outlet states that Everton are ready to bid for Luiz after his alleged talks with Tottenham, and the Toffees have initiated club-to-club discussions as they attempt to back manager David Moyes for his first full season back on Merseyside.

Juve want around £35 million to part company with Luiz, and will not entertain any form of loan, as Igor Tudor’s side seek to sell him immediately and reinvest that money in their own summer recruitment drive.

Aston Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, tipped him to kickstart his career at Juve earlier this year, but it appears the South American could seal a quick-fire return to England instead.

“He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player,” said Monchi about Luiz to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve.

“He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive.”

The Sri Lanka pair of Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara will not be available to play for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in CPL 2024. Both players had suffered injuries during the recent white-ball series at home against India.Patriots have signed Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje as replacements for Hasaranga and Thushara.While slinger Thushara was ruled out of the entire series with a finger injury, Hasaranga played all three T20Is and the first ODI before being sidelined with a hamstring injury.Related

• CPL 2024 FAQs: New team, new players, new intrigues

• South Africa call up Under-19 World Cup star Maphaka for West Indies T20Is

• Thushara out of India T20Is with broken finger

Nortje is yet to make his CPL debut but Shamsi is a familiar name at the league, having played 32 games, including 27 for Patriots. Shamsi has taken 33 wickets in those matches for Patriots at an economy rate of 7.06.Nortje and Shamsi will reunite with their South Africa team-mate Tristan Stubbs at Patriots. The side had finished last in CPL 2023, with just a solitary win in ten games.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots squad for CPL 2024

Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rilee Rossouw, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Sikandar Raza, Anrich Nortje, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Odean Smith, Joshua da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne

Secretary Jay Shah cites monsoon and their hosting of next year’s World Cup as the reasons

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2024The BCCI has “categorically said no” to the ICC’s offer to host the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in October, their secretary Jay Shah has said. It is understood the ICC is likely to take the final call on August 20. India ruling themselves out as hosts leaves Sri Lanka and UAE as the possible alternatives for the tournament slated to be held from October 3-20.”They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” Shah told . “We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”Related

Healy: 'Hard to fathom' T20 World Cup going ahead in Bangladesh

Zimbabwe express interest in hosting Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Bangladesh turmoil: ICC mulls back-up options to host women's T20 World Cup

The ICC is mulling a shift ever since Bangladesh has been rocked by violence and security challenges in the aftermath of anti-government agitations leading to several deaths and the dethroning of the Sheikh Hasina government.An ICC official said earlier this week that the situation in Bangladesh was being monitored and all options had been kept open. “The ICC is closely monitoring developments in co-ordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies and our own independent security consultants,” an ICC statement said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”While the new interim government in Bangladesh is making a last-ditch attempt to salvage the tournament, strong travel advisories issued by the governments of a number of participating teams, including England, Australia and India, are one of the biggest barriers to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).Security challenges aside, the BCB is also amid a crisis, with their president and the former sports minister Nazmul Hassan effectively out of office since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5. Several board directors, who have direct or indirect political connections, have also been incommunicado.The Bangladesh men’s Test team is currently on tour in Pakistan for a two-match series. They arrived in the country early after training was hampered in Bangladesh due to the protests. They’re also slated to tour India next month for two Tests and three T20Is.”We’ve not spoken to them (the Bangladesh authorities),” Shah said. “A new government has taken charge there. They might reach out to us or else I will reach out to them. The Bangladesh series is very important to us.”

Slowly and then all at once would be one way to describe Arsenal’s summer thus far.

While their rivals were making signing after signing last month, Mikel Arteta’s side appeared rather sluggish, going back and forth between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko without making much progress towards either one.

However, over the last week or so, things have begun to change, with Kepa Arizabalage through the door, Christian Norgaard’s arrival feeling like a matter of time, and an avalanche of reports linking the club to Crystal Palace superstar Eberechi Eze.

Furthermore, Andrea Berta and Co appear intent on bringing in more Premier League talent this month, with reports now linking the club to someone who could be a dream teammate for Eze.

Arsenal target Premier League stars

While Arsenal are more than happy to shop abroad, the club are also no stranger to picking up players from closer to home, and so far this summer, they have been linked with several Premier League stars, like Morgan Rogers and Anthony Elanga.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former was superb for Aston Villa last season, racking up a tally of 14 goals and 15 assists in 54 games, but such a great campaign has seen his price tag soar, and reports have suggested he could cost the Gunners as much as £70m.

Likewise, Elanga once again proved his worth for Nottingham Forest in 24/25, racking up 18 goal involvements in 43 games, which in turn has seen his potential price tag reach £60m.

However, there is another, slightly cheaper, but still exciting Premier League attacker who is reportedly in the Gunners’ sights this summer: Noni Madueke.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, which reaffirms that Arsenal are very much interested in the Chelsea star.

The report goes a step further, though, claiming that the North Londoners are now in talks with the dynamic winger, having submitted their contract offer to the player, who is valued at close to £50m, according to other reports. What makes this move doubly interesting is that the player actually spent time in the Spurs academy as a youngster.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Madueke’s ability and potential, it might be one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a perfect teammate for Eze.

Why Eze would love Madueke

So, it might be somewhat simplistic, but one of the reasons Eze might love to play with Madueke is down to his output, as that’s what’s going to help the Palace star’s own goal and assist numbers.

For example, despite not always being one of the first names on the teamsheet at Chelsea last season, the exciting winger was still able to amass a decent haul of 11 goals and five assists in 2589 minutes of football, spread across 44 appearances.

That means the 23-year-old averaged a goal or assist every 161.81 minutes for the Blues, which isn’t too bad at all, and substantially better than Gabriel Martinelli’s average of a goal involvement every 222.75 minutes and even better than Leandro Trossard’s average of one every 172.75 minutes.

On top of being a fairly reliable scorer and provider of goals, the “unbelievable” forward, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, has also got some brilliant underlying numbers to his name, including some that would be music to Eze’s ears.

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, the top 4% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and many more, all per 90. With those qualities in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that some within the game have said that he’s “very similar to Saka.”

Progressive Carries

6.82

Top 1%

Carries into Penalty Area

4.12

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.04

Top 4%

Touches (Att Pen)

8.15

Top 4%

Non-Penalty xG

0.43

Top 6%

Shots Total

3.54

Top 7%

Progressive Carrying Distance

154.28

Top 7%

Shots on Target

1.33

Top 8%

Now, those three statistics could be particularly important for the Eagles ace, as they suggest the Chelsea man is truly elite at getting the ball into seriously dangerous areas, which in turn could result in better and more chances for his teammates.

Ultimately, from his output to what’s going on under the hood, Madueke looks like someone who could explode in the right environment, and therefore, we reckon he’d be an incredible teammate for Eze at Arsenal.

He's more exciting than Eze: Arsenal close in on signing £69m "monster"

The goalscorer would be a bigger game-changer for Arsenal than Eze.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Aston Villa have reached an agreement over the signing of a “good character” this summer, according to a key update from reliable journalist Jacob Tanswell.

Rumours of McGinn out and Luiz back at Aston Villa

Transfers rumours continue to come thick and fast at Villa Park this summer, with ins and outs expected in the coming weeks leading up to the new Premier League season.

John McGinn has been a wonderful servant for Villa down the years, but the Scottish veteran has been linked with a move away from the club this summer. Everton are thought to be interested in snapping him up, with Unai Emery perhaps feeling that now is the right time to sell the midfielder, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2027.

In fact, Douglas Luiz has been backed to return to the Midlands for a second stint from Juventus, with the Brazilian potentially coming in as his former teammate’s replacement in the middle of the park, according to some reports. He was an influential figure first time around, and at 27, he still has a huge amount to offer in his career.

It remains to be seen what will happen regarding McGinn and Luiz this summer – some supporters may love the idea of them being back together at Villa Park next season – but away from their respective sagas, another player looks set to be heading to the club.

Aston Villa close to signing 34 y/o "good character"

According to a new update from The Athletic‘s Tanswell on X, Aston Villa have “finalised terms” to complete the signing of veteran Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot, with NSWE and Monchi working their magic.

“AVFC have finalised terms to sign Marco Bizot from Brest. 34yo regarded a good character, with experience & low-cost fee other key factors. Will be GK No 2 – target position filled for Villa & remain in pursuit of defender & winger.”

The signing of Bizot may not feel like the most earth-shattering piece of business that Villa have ever done, given his age and the fact that he is likely coming in as a squad player, but it still feels like a sensible signing for them.

AZ Alkmaar

164

166

72

Brest

148

213

40

Genk

74

85

25

FC Groningen

59

82

15

SC Cambuur

21

30

3

The Dutchman is a vastly experienced head, making over 300 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Eredivisie combined in his career – 139 in the former and 175 in the latter – as well as winning one cap for the Netherlands.

Tanswell’s description of Bizot as a “good character” certainly bodes well, in terms of him bringing a strong team ethic to the squad, and he can be an influential figure both on and off the pitch.

Big McGinn upgrade: Aston Villa make contact to sign £138k-p/w "engine"

Aston Villa are set to target a new midfielder this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 9, 2025

Villa will no doubt look to secure more expensive signings between now and the end of the summer transfer window, but Robin Olsen’s departure required a new backup goalkeeper and Bizot feels like a good choice to replace him.

What to do with Rasmus Hojlund? On one hand, the Dane is a talented young striker who cost Manchester United a sum of £72m in 2023; on the other, he flattered to deceive across the 2024/25 campaign, wholly unconvincing.

Ruben Amorim took the wheel of a sinking ship when he replaced Erik ten Hag last November, but there’s no denying the Portuguese tactician failed to get the desired tune out of his Red Devils troops.

United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. The whole team lacked fluency and confidence, but Hojlund did himself few favours, scoring just three goals across 32 league games, averaging only one shot per game, as per Sofascore.

His woes have led to the expectation, or at least anticipation, that he will be offloaded this summer, and while Inter Milan have registered their interest this summer, talks are on standby; Jason Wilcox, technical director at Old Trafford, is unsure whether he will be signing off the 22-year-old’s departure, who reportedly wants to stay put.

While Hojlund’s future remains up in the air, it’s clear that INEOS and Amorim are congruent in their view that a new, high-performing centre-forward is needed.

Let’s have a look at the latest.

The latest on Man Utd's striker search

They started with Liam Delap. Man United were very much among the clubs interested in the Ipswich Town striker after his side’s relegation from the Premier League, thus unlocking his £30m release clause.

But it was Chelsea who activated the clause and added him to their ranks.

Still, United’s signing of Cunha and prospective transfer for Mbeumo could redefine Amorim’s frontline, and therre are other number nines who could be enticed by this resurgence-chasing team.

Sadly, it doesn’t look like that striker will be Viktor Gyokeres, who is on strike at Sporting Lisbon as he looks to engineer a move to Arsenal, which is now entering the final stages according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners’ shortlist came down to two, and they can’t have both. Therefore, a door has been opened for United to make a stunning swoop.

Man Utd in contact for new striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Man United are among the contenders for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at €90m (roughly £78m).

It’s that substantial price tag which effectively ended Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the Slovenia international, instead pushing ahead with the deal for Gyokeres.

It may prove to work out just fine for the Red Devils, though, for Sesko’s camp have made contact with United as they look to secure the 22-year-old the high-profile transfer he craves.

However, Wilcox will need to work swiftly if he’s to lift the mood on the red side of Manchester, with Bailey confirming Liverpool and Newcastle United are also informed on Sesko’s situation.

Why Man Utd must sign Benjamin Sesko

Sesko will be aware that signing for Man United this summer would mean a season without continental competition. But then Leipzig failed to qualify for Europe last term, and the Devils have ambitious plans that the rangy forward would help realise.

Described as “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko’s clinical nature, his pace and his physicality all combine to offer similarities to the game of Manchester City’s world-class goalscorer.

Sesko might not be as complete as Gyokeres (yet), but he’s the making of a world-class striker, with analyst Ben Mattinson even saying earlier in 2025 that he has a “superior profile” to the Sweden star.

It might not look like that at face value, with Gyokeres scoring 97 goals and supplying 28 assists across 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, winning the Liga Portugal in each of his two terms.

Furthermore, the 27-year-old proved his quality in the Champions League last year, dispatching a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City while under Amorim’s wing.

But Gyokeres is no spring chicken and has yet to compete in one of Europe’s top five divisions. Sesko, however, is competing in a tougher league, with less dominance to exert his authority.

Thus, it could be surmised that the Slovenian would produce a lofty tally of his own, were he playing as Sporting’s number nine in Portugal.

Matches (starts)

31 (17)

33 (30)

Goals

14

13

Assists

2

5

Touches*

19.1

30.7

Shots (on target)*

1.5 (0.8)

2.1 (0.9)

Big chances missed

8

10

Pass completion

67%

68%

Big chances created

1

5

Key passes*

0.4

0.6

Dribbles*

0.5

1.2

Duels won*

2.5

4.1

Clearly, passing isn’t his strong suit, but Sesko’s strength and movement as a frontman are things to be admired, having made real headway across the physical aspects of the game.

He’s getting better and better, and it’s certainly intriguing to note that only 18 big chances have gone begging across his past two Bundesliga campaigns, having scored 27 goals.

In fact, Sesko’s 39-goal, eight-assist return for Leipzig, across two seasons, has come over just 87 matches in all competitions, 62 of which came from the outset.

With Matheus Cunha and hopefully Bryan Mbeumo too flanking Amorim’s central striker at the Theatre of Dreams next season, Sesko would have the experienced, Premier League-proven teammates to bolster him and help him realise his potential.

And that potential is vast. Who knows whether Sesko would hit the ground running – or Gyokeres, for that matter – but Amorim is looking to turn Old Trafford back into a hothouse for development and success, and Sesko could be the perfect man to lead the line for many years to come.

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