Journalist Jacque Talbot has said that Manchester United will look to bring in a striker regardless of whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the club.
The 37-year-old is said to have asked the club to let him leave should a suitable offer come in this summer with the Portuguese ace looking to play Champions League football despite still having an affinity for the Old Trafford outfit.
He made his long-awaited return to pre-season on Tuesday ahead of talks with the club as he looks to resolve his future.
The Red Devils are seemingly on the lookout for a replacement with Fabrizio Romano crediting the club with an interest in Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko.
A £55m price tag has been mooted and Talbot has now revealed that United may decide to pursue the 19-year-old even if Ronaldo remains in Manchester.
As posted by Football Transfers on Twitter Talbot said:
“Salzburg are holding out for a lot of money. I think the idea is they want to keep him for this summer because his price will generate. Kind of like how Haaland did as well.
“Have a year in Austria, whips up a bit of a frenzy and then he goes for much more money and that’s what they’d probably like to do.
“I’m told regardless of where Ronaldo will be, whether he’ll go out on loan or permanent, they’re looking to bring in another striker anyway, so that wouldn’t have any bearing on whether Sesko comes through or not.
“I believe that he would probably come in on a structured deal if he was to.”
TIF Thoughts on Sesko and United…
Should United sell Ronaldo?
Yes
No
Dubbed the ‘new Erling Haaland’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko scored 11 goals and produced a further seven assists in just 14 starts last term, directly involved in a goal every 87 minutes.
He has also got off to a fast start in Austria this season with two goals and an assist in two games and the Slovenian is quickly gaining a reputation.
He could well be the man to fill the boots of Ronaldo who top-scored for the Red Devils last term and would be a long-term hold even if he does stick around meaning a move does seem possible.