Manchester United are reportedly plotting a "last-minute gamble" on an alternative option in case their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko fails. While the Slovenian remains the preferred choice, United are said to be exploring contingency options as the clock ticks down on their summer business. The Red Devils are determined to bring in a new No.9 to complete Ruben Amorim's attack for the new season.

Man Utd see Sesko as a priority optionFace stiff competition from NewcastleMight pivot to Serie A strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United face fierce competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United in the race for Sesko. The Magpies have increased their bid to €80 million (£69.6m/$92.5m) in an effort to convince Leipzig to part with their highly rated striker. This has forced the Red Devils to scour the market for alternatives, and suggests that the think tank has zeroed in on Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic. 

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While United remain focused on Sesko, reports out of Italy suggest that intermediaries connected to Vlahovic have made overtures toward the English club. He is reportedly seeking a fresh challenge and has declined to commit to a new deal in Turin, which has spurred his entourage to actively explore options that align with his financial expectations and career goals. United are now weighing a "last-minute gamble" on Vlahovic if they step back from Sesko.

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Back in June, reported that a possible swap deal involving Jadon Sancho and Vlahovic was under discussion. While that arrangement never came to fruition, it marked the beginning of speculation linking the Serbian forward with a move to Old Trafford. Despite initial optimism in Italy that a player-plus-cash exchange might materialise, talks eventually stalled, and no agreement was reached.

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Vlahovic, who has scored 43 Serie A goals for Juve to date, does not have a lengthy list of suitors, as only AC Milan have shown tangible interest in securing his services, though they too are weighing their financial limits before making a move. This makes the Serbian an affordable target for United, who have already invested nearly £135m ($179m) this summer to acquire Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.