Manchester United have set their sights on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as possible striker additions this summer—but face major hurdles before any move can take place.
With the club already spending heavily in the current transfer window, insiders say United’s top brass accept that more signings will only be possible if they can shift several fringe players before the 1 September deadline.
“There’s recognition that some outgoings have to happen first,” said a senior club figure familiar with the situation. “Until then, new incomings aren’t realistic.”
United’s interest in both forwards comes as manager Ruben Amorim looks to sharpen his attacking options after a mixed start to pre-season.
Sesko, just 22, netted 13 times for Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season. His pace and youth make him an attractive prospect. However, Newcastle are also circling, especially as doubts swirl over the future of their own striker, Alexander Isak.
Watkins, on the other hand, is well-established in the Premier League. The 29-year-old England international scored 16 league goals for Aston Villa last term and remains central to Unai Emery’s plans.
Villa have insisted he’s not for sale. But with five weeks left in the window, United are hoping that stance may soften—especially if a hefty offer lands late. Even so, the £60 million price tag reportedly quoted for Watkins is seen as excessive at Old Trafford.
“That’s too high for a player his age, even with his Premier League record,” said one analyst close to the club.
Currently, United are relying on Rasmus Hojlund up front. The Danish striker had a rocky first season, scoring just 10 goals in 52 appearances. Despite a promising pre-season display in the recent 2–1 win over West Ham, Amorim made his frustrations known after a missed first-half chance.
“He did well to create the opportunity,” Amorim told reporters in New Jersey. “But at this level,
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