Man Utd explore Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal as Benjamin Sesko faces lengthy lay-off

Manchester United are weighing up a winter move for Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to The Athletic. The Red Devils are short in attack with Benjamin Sesko sidelined for the long term, but Leeds are unlikely to entertain a mid-season sale and are close to extending Calvert-Lewin's contract.

  • Target: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leeds United striker
  • Buying club: Manchester United
  • Reason: Benjamin Sesko out long-term with recurring shin problem
  • Stage: Background checks made; Leeds unlikely to sell
  • Contract: Calvert-Lewin's current deal expires June 2028; new long-term deal close
  • Source: The Athletic; BBC Sport

Deal details

Manchester United have made background checks on Dominic Calvert-Lewin as they consider a move in the winter transfer window, according to The Athletic. The report states that Leeds United are unlikely to entertain a mid-season sale to their fierce rivals.

Calvert-Lewin joined Leeds on a free transfer from Everton in the summer of 2025 after snubbing a new contract at Goodison Park. His current contract at Elland Road expires in June 2028, but BBC Sport reported today that the 29-year-old is set to put pen to paper on a new long-term deal very soon.

Leeds appreciate the striker's influence on the team since he arrived last year and are planning to hand him a new contract to end speculation. The Yorkshire outfit are fully content with his output and are close to extending his stay.

Injury and availability

Manchester United's need for a new striker has been increased by Benjamin Sesko's injury. The Slovenian has not played for a month with a recurring shin problem and could now be sidelined until January or even further.

Joshua Zirkzee has failed to impress since his switch from Bologna, looking lightweight in duels and yet to start a game under manager Michael Carrick this season.

The numbers

  • Calvert-Lewin scored 15 goals for Leeds in the previous campaign.
  • He has already netted five goals this term under manager Daniel Farke.
  • He had a difficult final four years at Everton with just 18 goals amid numerous injury concerns.
  • Calvert-Lewin joined Leeds on a free transfer in summer 2025.
  • His contract expires in June 2028.

Why Man Utd are looking at Calvert-Lewin

Manchester United's striking department is alarmingly thin. Benjamin Sesko has been absent for a month with a recurring shin issue, and the club now fears he could be out until January or beyond. That leaves Joshua Zirkzee as the only senior centre-forward, but the Dutchman has yet to start a game under Michael Carrick this season and has been criticised for looking lightweight in duels.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin offers exactly the profile United lack: strong hold-up play, aerial presence and a potent scoring threat in the box. He has overcome the injury woes that blighted his final years at Everton and has transformed his fortunes at Leeds, scoring 15 goals last season and five already this term under Daniel Farke.

However, a deal appears highly unlikely. Leeds are under no pressure to sell, especially to a fierce rival, and are closing in on a new long-term contract for the 29-year-old. United may have to look elsewhere for a top-quality striker.

Talking points

  • Should United pay over the odds for a 29-year-old with a history of injuries, or look for a younger, more durable option?
  • Is Calvert-Lewin's goalscoring record at Leeds enough to justify a move to a top club, or is he a product of Farke's system?
  • Would Leeds even consider selling to Manchester United mid-season, given the rivalry and their own ambitions?
  • Is Zirkzee's failure to start under Carrick a sign that United's recruitment strategy needs a complete overhaul?

What happens next

Manchester United will continue to assess their striking options ahead of the winter window, with Sesko's fitness a major concern. Leeds, meanwhile, are expected to announce Calvert-Lewin's new contract imminently, which would end United's hopes. The Red Devils may turn their attention to alternative targets as they seek to salvage their season.

Frequently asked questions

Are Manchester United signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

Manchester United are exploring a deal for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and have made background checks, according to The Athletic. However, Leeds are unlikely to sell and are close to extending his contract.

Why is Benjamin Sesko out injured?

Sesko has a recurring shin problem and has not played for a month. He could be sidelined until January or even further.

When does Dominic Calvert-Lewin's contract expire?

His current Leeds contract runs until June 2028, but he is set to sign a new long-term deal very soon, according to BBC Sport.

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