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Phil HaighPublished Jun 11, 2024, 6:15pm|Updated Jun 11, 2024, 6:16pm
With Benjamin Sesko deciding to stay with RB Leipzig, Manchester United’s list of targets as they search for a new striker this summer has been narrowed.
The Red Devils were not alone in pursuing the 21-year-old, with Chelsea and Arsenal also interested, but he has chosen to snub interest from the Premier League and sign a new contract in Germany.
Manchester United are keen to add a new striker to their ranks this summer after Anthony Martial departed on a free transfer, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as the only natural centre-forward in the squad.
The Dane had an encouraging first campaign in the Premier League but needs both support and competition with a busy season ahead, including a Europa League tilt thanks to winning the FA Cup.
ESPN report that three names are currently at the top of the list of strikers on the Old Trafford wishlist: Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Lille’s Jonathan David.
Zirkzee can be pinched from Bologna this summer as he has a release clause of £34m in his contract with the Serie A side.
The 23-year-old made his professional debut with Bayern Munich but is now in the Italian top flight, scoring 11 league goals over the season just gone.
It was a breakthrough season for the Dutchman, who is yet to win a cap for Netherlands, and scored just two league goals in the previous campaign, so he would certainly be considered a gamble for a top club.
Both Toney and David are heading into the final year on their contracts, so deals are likely there to be done with Brentford and Lille respectively.
The Bees are thought to want at least £50m for Toney, who has made the final cut for England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer.
Canada international David had another good season in France, scoring 26 goals in all competitions for Lille, which took his tally to 84 in 183 games since joining from Gent in 2020.
Lille are reportedly willing to accept around £40m for the 24-year-old rather than lose him for nothing in 2025.
Manchester United are not alone in admiring the New York-born striker, with Roma and Atletico Madrid also credited in an interest in signing him this summer.
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