Manchester United have reportedly identified RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as their leading forward target this summer but have accepted that it will be difficult to sign him.

The Red Devils will be in the market for a new striker in the upcoming market, with the club needing to bring in competition and support for Rasmus Hojlund, who has 14 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford.

Man United are likely to miss out on Champions League football for next season, as they sit 13 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League table, albeit with a game in hand.

However, the club are still planning to be active in the summer window under the guidance of new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team.

According to 90min, Sesko is at the top of Man United's striker shortlist, with the 20-year-old managing 14 goals and two assists in 38 appearances for Leipzig during an impressive campaign.

Benjamin Sesko 'viewed as a leading target by Man United'

The report claims that the Red Devils have accepted that it will be difficult to sign him this summer, though, due to the number of other clubs also in the mix.

Sesko's contract is believed to have a £43m release clause, but he is also believed to be wanted by a number of teams that will likely be able to offer Champions League football next season.

Arsenal are thought to be keen, with the Gunners also determined to bring in a new striker this summer due to their issues in that area of the field during the 2023-24 campaign.

Sesko scored 29 goals and registered 11 assists in 79 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg before making the move to Leipzig in July 2023, penning a five-year contract with the Bundesliga outfit.

The Slovenia international has netted 10 times and registered two assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances this term, while he has also managed two goals in the Champions League in 2023-24.

Man United 'view Ivan Toney as potential alternative'

Man United will be reluctant to enter a huge battle for Sesko's services this summer, with the club also having a number of other priorities in the transfer market.

As a result, it has been suggested that the Red Devils could switch their attention to Ivan Toney, who is widely expected to leave Brentford during this summer's transfer window.

The England international has scored four times in 13 Premier League appearances for the Bees this season, while he netted 20 goals in England's top flight last term.

Man United allegedly believe that the 28-year-old would bring 'experience and leadership to the dressing room', and a summer deal could be explored depending on the price.

Toney is said to be 'a lower priority' than Sesko, but a move for the Brentford forward might be more realistic, with a bid of around £50m potentially being accepted by his London club. body check tags ::