The Athletic: Man Utd eyeing a move for striker with 75 EPL goals as January objective set

Manchester United have set their sights on Leeds United star Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as they intend to bolster their attacking ranks in January.

The Red Devils were supposed to add a new striker to their ranks in the summer, but the management failed to address this issue, similar to the left-back position, instead exclusively focusing on the midfield overhaul.

INEOS were hampered by their inability to move Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, who both remained at the club.

Man Utd interested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Unfortunately for Man Utd, their attacking shortage has been exposed from the get-go due to Benjamin Sesko’s ongoing injury issues. The Slovenian made a brief return from a shin injury, only to suffer a relapse a few weeks later.

In his press conference on Thursday, Michael Carrick admitted Sesko is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Previous sources claimed he could be out until January.

With the 23-year-old enduring a tough spell, signing a new striker in the winter is no longer a luxury for United, but an absolute necessity.

According to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell, Man Utd are keen to recruit a new centre-forward, and they have added Calvert-Lewin to their shortlist.

Nevertheless, Jason Wilcox and Co. realise that buying the Englishman from Leeds will be difficult, especially due to the rivalry between the two clubs, not to mention his importance to Daniel Farke’s team.

Do Man United stand a chance to sign Calvert-Lewin?

The 29-year-old is a Sheffield United youth product who spent nine years at Everton before leaving the club as a free agent in the summer of 2025.

Leeds pounced on the situation, poaching the England international on a free transfer. However, his contract is set to expire in June 2028, so the Peacocks might fancy a sale that would allow them to register pure capital gains before his value significantly drops.

That being said, it remains difficult to envision Leeds sanctioning the sale of one of their most important players in mid-season, especially with his next destination being Old Trafford.

Therefore, we can expect alternative names to surface in the coming days.