Barcelona keen to sign Manchester United star Benjamin Sesko  | OneFootball

Barcelona are keen to sign Manchester United star Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to Marca. 

The Blaugrana are in the market for a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski, who will leave the club at the end of his contract this month. 

They have identified Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvaraz as their primary target, but a deal is difficult to pull off. 

Atletico recently turned down an eye-watering £129 million offer from Real Madrid and are holding out for a much higher fee. 

Alvarez remains Barca’s main target, but they are also considering alternatives if they fail to land the Argentine’s services. 

United’s Sesko, alongside Serhou Guirassy and Karl Etta Eyong, have been shortlisted as options. 

The Slovenian joined the Red Devils last summer from RB Leipzig in a package worth up to £74 million. 

He endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League, but staged a revival during the second half of the season. 

Sesko is an elite number nine who has developed a reputation for his physical prowess and technical ability. 

He is renowned for his explosive pace, work-rate and aerial dominance, but he still needs to improve his decision-making in the final third. 

United are happy with Sesko’s progress, and they are unlikely to entertain any offers for him. 

The Manchester giants are looking to sign a quality back-up for the 23-year-old, with Joshua Zirkzee failing to live up to expectations. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.