Man Utd send scouts to watch deadly striker who claims to be 'better than Haaland'

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.

Sesko currently plays for the Austrian champions, but has agreed to join German side RB Leipzig at the end of the season.

The deal was finalised last summer, with the 19-year-old signing a five-year contract to keep him at the club until 2028.

This season, the wonderkid has netted nine goals in 19 league matches, including a seven-minute hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Rapid Vienna on Sunday.

Whilst that game was ongoing, United were in the midst of suffering a 7-0 defeat to Liverpool - their joint-worst loss of the Premier League era.

Erik ten Hag's side have been previously linked with a move for Sesko. ESPN reported in January that United have already drawn up a three-man striker shortlist ahead of the summer, consisting of Sesko, Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Tottenham's Harry Kane.

As per the same report, it has been claimed by sources that another club could 'buy out' Leipzig's deal for Sesko if they are prepared to offer a higher fee, which could tempt United into a move.

And they now appear to have made the next step towards a summer bid.

Man Utd 'send scouts to watch Sesko'

According to 90min, United sent scouts to watch Sesko play during the 4-2 win over Rapid Vienna - and will no doubt be impressed by what they saw.

However, representatives from Tottenham, Inter Milan and Leeds were also at the game, which could mean Ten Hag's side face fierce competition if they want to bring the Slovenian international to Old Trafford.

Speaking in an interview with Goal, the forward, who has scored five goals in 17 caps for Slovenia, explained that some of his Salzburg have said he is better than Manchester City star Erling Haaland.

He explained: "Such comparisons motivate me and give me energy.

"They do not represent pressure. I will listen and learn so I can be even better than he is.

"My team-mates at the club [Salzburg] tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I'm better than him!"