Man Utd targeting one of Europe's top young strikers as Joshua Zirkzee 'tipped' to make January exit

Manchester United are reportedly targeting one of Europe's most highly-rated strikers amid talk that Joshua Zirkzee could be set for an early exit.

United looked to ease the burden on Rasmus Hojlund by signing a new striker in the summer, opting to snap up Zirkzee from Bologna for a fee of £36.5 million

The Netherlands international scored 11 goals to help Bologna secure Champions League football and he was handed a five-year contract.

Zirkzee scored the winning goal on his debut for the club in the season opener against Fulham but has failed to find the net since then.

The 23-year-old has looked sluggish and hasn't quite got going in English football, with Zirkzee even tipped to complete a mid-season loan move to Juventus.

However, United are said to be tracking one of Europe's most exciting strikers.

According to an update from Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are keeping tabs on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Image: Getty

The Slovenia striker joined Leipzig in 2023 after an impressive spell with sister club Salzburg where he scored 16 goals in 30 games in his final season.

He hit similar numbers in Germany, with 18 goals in all competitions.

In the summer, Sesko was heavily courted by a number of Europe's elite sides, including United, Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan.

However, he elected to remain with Leipzig and signed a new contract with the club until 2029.

With a reported €65 million release clause, Sesko is expected to leave for a new challenge on pastures new and United are still very much interested in the 21-year-old.

Image: Getty

But he will want to be playing in the Champions League and it already looks unlikely for United to playing in Europe's top club competition next term given their dismal start to the season.

"I thought it through very well," Sesko said on his decision to stay put.

"I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things. Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step.

"Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."