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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Manchester United turn to Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko as top striker targets

Top of the list: Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko are being strongly considered by Manchester United - (Getty Images)

Manchester United have identified Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins as their top targets for a striker signing this summer.

Ruben Amorim’s squad has so far been strengthened in attack by the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with around £130million spent to bring the duo to Old Trafford.

United remain keen to sign a striker but sales could be required first. Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony are among those the club are looking to find buyers for.

Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona, who are covering his wages, has helped United’s financial situation but further departures are still required.

If United do make a move for a new No9 before the end of the transfer window, it is believed that Sesko and Watkins are now the two players being considered.

Aston Villa have made it clear that they do not intend to sell Watkins this summer and they held firm in January despite Arsenal’s attempts to sign the Englishman.

Reports suggest that United believe they could agree a deal for between £40m-£45m for the 29-year-old, less than the Gunners offered at the start of the year.

RB Leipzig forward Sesko was previously linked with Arsenal, before they wrapped up the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, and the 22-year-old is also of interest to Newcastle.

Alexander Isak has told the Magpies he wants to explore a summer move and should he be sold, Newcastle are strongly considering Sesko as a replacement.

Sesko would be a more expensive option for United than Watkins. Leipzig are likely to demand a fee of around £70m to consider a sale.

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