Benjamin Sesko is the latest man being linked with a switch to Manchester United as they look to bolster their attacking options.
The Red Devils are yet to add a No 9 to their ranks with their focus being on other areas of their squad, but with the ongoing uncertainty around Cristiano Ronaldo the club could be forced to act. In pre-season Anthony Martial has been their central striker, but Sesko is now on their radar.
The Slovenian is impressing at Red Bull Salzburg despite being just 19. The Austrian outfit have proven themselves when it comes to spotting young talent with Erling Haaland their most impressive find in recent times - but the belief within the club is that Sesko could be even better.
It seems scarcely believable, but that is clearly what has attracted United's attention, although their interest dates back to Sesko's time in his homeland.
Another missed opportunity
Football is littered with stories of clubs tracking players back when they were unknown teenagers at minnow clubs before their stock - and value - rises, which then makes any deal all the more complicated. Well Sesko and United are no different with the Athletic claiming they were aware of him back when he was at Domzale.
Salzburg snapped him up when he was 16. United could've done likewise but decided that the £2.5m price tag was too expensive. Now they are being quoted around £50m for the striker, who is under contract with the Red Bull outfit until 2026.
It means United will have to spend big if they do want Sesko to be part of their future, but even then he would need time to develop. Last term he was on loan at FC Liefering in Austria's second tier - scoring 21 times in 29 games. Already he has scored twice in three games for Salzburg.
Transfer priorities
Indeed, there are two factors that have come into play again too. Firstly, despite Sesko's clear potential, United have been put off by the valuation slapped on him by Salzburg. The Austrian outfit have long been able to make huge profits on players they move on and they see Sesko's situation as another way to do so.
Erik ten Hag may want - and need - a forward, but that is still a huge outlay for a player who is by no means proven. There is also an acceptable from some sources that, at 19, Sesko cannot be expected to hit the ground running and be a main supply of goals in England's top flight.
Secondly, United's priority is also to add a central midfielder, such has been their summer-long interest in Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder is reluctant to join the Red Devils for a variety of reasons with Chelsea potentially entering the race. If they cannot sign the Dutchman then other targets may have to be pursued.
Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves have both been touted as potential signings with the addition of a new face in the middle of the park coming before their need for a striker. Martial has stepped up thus far whilst Marcus Rashford has played there in the past. Young stars like Anthony Elanga may also prosper this season from more game time.
