Barcelona have identified Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for veteran Robert Lewandowski, according to reports. The La Liga champions are in the market for a top-class centre-forward after Lewandowski's departure.
Barcelona's primary target remains Julian Alvarez, but an opening bid of €100million (£86.4m) was rejected by Atletico Madrid, who also dismissed a £129m offer from Real Madrid. Atletico would consider selling the Argentina World Cup winner to Arsenal, but Alvarez prefers a move to Barcelona.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Barcelona have drawn up a shortlist of alternatives, including Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy, Levante's Karl Etta Eyong, and United's Benjamin Sesko. Sesko joined Manchester United from RB Leipzig last summer for around £74m.
The 23-year-old Slovenian had a slow start under Ruben Amorim but improved under Michael Carrick, scoring 10 goals in 16 games since the turn of the year. Despite injury issues and competition from Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, Sesko is expected to develop further.
Manchester United are unlikely to sell Sesko unless a significant offer is made, especially with the club returning to the Champions League next season. Barcelona have already declined to trigger Marcus Rashford's buy option, instead spending £69m on Newcastle's Anthony Gordon.
