Manchester United football director John Murtough ‘meets’ Benjamin Sesko agent

Football director John Murtough has been in contact with the agency of Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko as Manchester United step up their pursuit of the 19-year-old. Prior to his first season as manager, Erik ten Hag is looking for attacking reinforcements, and United is stepping up their quest.

According to the MEN, Murtough spoke with Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, on Wednesday to discuss a prospective transfer. The international from Slovenia has been under consideration by United this summer and might soon be the target of a formal approach.

Sesko generated excitement earlier this week with an outstanding preseason performance against Liverpool, scoring the game-winning goal in Salzburg’s 1-0 victory. And Basanovic is currently attracting attention from teams all throughout Europe, with United being one of them.

Ten Hag, who is concerned about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, is said to want at least one new forward player this summer but would prefer two. And after passing up the chance to reunite with Brian Brobbey of RB Leipzig by choosing to go back to Ajax following a productive loan season under the Dutchman last season, Sesko might be the next name on his radar.

Priority attacking aim for United at the beginning of the summer window was Darwin Nunez, but Liverpool swooped in to get the Benfica player for £85 million. The Red Devils wanted Antony next, but Ajax have cleverly priced them out of a move.

After approving Lisandro Martinez’s transfer to Old Trafford, Ajax was reluctant to let the Brazilian go without a fight and requested upwards of £80 million for his services. United is currently searching the market for less expensive options that suit the “young, but ready” profile.

After United missed out on the Champions League this year, Ronaldo has expressed his desire to leave M16, most recently at Carrington this week after arriving with his agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday. Ronaldo isn’t for sale and is still in Ten Hag’s plans, albeit the club has maintained a resolute attitude throughout the controversy so far.

United would only have four senior strikers remaining if the 37-year-old left in the last month of the transfer window, including Anthony Elanga, who is entering his first complete season as a first-team player. Therefore, Ten Hag’s desire to increase his weaponry is not surprising, and Sesko presents an intriguing choice in a small market.