Transfer rumors, news: Man United scouting Sesko, Ekitike

Manchester United's striker search continues with Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike both being looked at, while Newcastle United are preparing to resist fierce competition for Alexander Isak in the summer. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors, and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester United have added RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike to their shortlist amid their search to sign a striker, reports Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg. The Red Devils are said to be "intensively scouting" options, with enquiries having already been made regarding whether either would be open to a move to Old Trafford in the summer. Sesko, 21 has scored 16 goals across 35 games in all competitions this season, while the 22-year-old Ekitike has scored 19 in 37 matches. Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres and Napoli's Victor Osimhen, however, remain at the top of the wanted list.

- Newcastle are "adamant" that Alexander Isak will stay at the club this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The club's chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, has informed the hierarchy that all offers must be resisted for the 25-year-old, who was watched by scouts from Barcelona during the 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham United last week. Isak has three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park, and he has also been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal.

- A move for Atalanta midfielder Éderson is being prioritised by Manchester City, reports TeamTalk. Pep Guardiola sees the 25-year-old as an ideal future replacement for Mateo Kovacic, who City are looking to part ways with in the summer amid interest from LaLiga clubs. Ederson has made 41 appearances for La Dea this season.

- AC Milan are planning to keep on-loan Manchester City defender Kyle Walker on a permanent basis, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. An offer worth €5 million will be enough to sign the 34-year-old in the summer, following a run of impressive performances for the Rossoneri. The Serie A club are less convinced on forward João Félix, who is expected to return to Chelsea at the end of his loan at the San Siro.

- Scouts from Real Madrid are set to watch AFC Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, reports The Sun. Los Blancos are keen to get a closer look at the 19-year-old, after he was called up to the Spain national team to replace injured Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez. Manchester United are also considering a potential move in the summer.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's Rob Dawson explains the situation with Manchester United's striker search.

Signing a striker will be one of Manchester United's priorities in the summer window. The club are busy drawing up their lists, but much will depend on what kind of money they can bring in from outgoing transfers.

United have been clear that there will be money to spend regardless of whether they're in European competition next season. The question, though, is how much? Without Champions League football, the budget is going to be limited.

Manager Ruben Amorim has gone as far as saying that he will have to let players leave before he can bring anyone in. Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans will all leave, but that's not going to move the dial too much in terms of budget.

What would change the situation significantly is money coming in from an academy graduate -- whether it's Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo. A boost of funds like that might put players like Viktor Gyökeres back on the table. Everything at United is up in the air.

OTHER RUMORS

- Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong remains on Liverpool's list of targets, amid reports the 24-year-old will look to move clubs in the summer. (Caught Offside)

- Kalvin Phillips is hoping to return to Leeds United in the summer after his loan spell at Ipswich Town comes to an end. The midfielder has failed to impress at Manchester City, having joined the club from Leeds in 2022, also having a loan stint at West Ham United. (Football Insider)

- Newcastle United are favourites to land Antonio Cordero from Malaga ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid. The 18-year-old striker, a Spain youth international, is out of contract in the summer and can leave on a free transfer. (Marca)

- Liverpool are favourites to land Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi in the summer. The 24-year-old, who is about to move into the final 12 months of his contract, is also been tracked Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham. (Football Insider)