Ruben Amorim would prefer Manchester United to drop their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko and sign a different striker instead, according to reports. The latter is said to have emerged as a top target for the Red Devils, who are desperate to add more firepower ahead of the new campaign. He certainly knows where the goal is, having scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig last season.

United are thought to be stepping up their pursuit of Sesko with informal discussions said to be underway. A delegation has reportedly been sent to Germany with the aim of finding a breakthrough in talks at club level. However, it seems Amorim is not entirely convinced that Sesko is the right man to lead the line for United.

He would prefer the Red Devils to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, according to talkSPORT. Watkins was initially United's top choice as a result of his Premier League experience but they are now believed to be pressing ahead with Sesko.

It is claimed that United's head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is the main architect behind their pursuit of the Slovenian forward. He is younger than Watkins, meaning he is considered to have a greater ceiling and a higher potential resale value.

United are yet to rule out a move for Watkins, who is thought to be valued at around £60million by his current employers. However, it seems clear that Sesko has emerged as their priority target against Amorim's wishes.

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The report adds that United know they will need to act quickly to sign Sesko ahead of Newcastle, who have also opened talks with RB Leipzig. The player is thought to prefer the idea a move to Old Trafford, which could swing the odds in United's favour.

Arsenal enquired about Sesko's availability earlier in the window, before they signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting. They were reportedly quoted a price tag of more than £70m but United are optimistic that a deal can be agreed for closer to £60m.

Other reports have suggested that United could throw in one of their own players to drive down Sesko's asking price. Rasmus Hojlund is said to be considered a 'dream' target by RB Leipzig and could be included to sweeten the deal.

It seems Amorim is not the only one to have doubts about Sesko, with United legend Rio Ferdinand also exercising caution over the potential move.

Speaking on his YouTube channel earlier this week, he said: "I think you've got to look at the here and now at the moment with Man United. That's what I said about a number nine.

"I'm not really doubting [Sesko] as a player, I'm saying Man United need experience at the top of the pitch. They've got Hojlund, they've got [Joshua] Zirkzee, they've got Chido [Obi]. Young, inexperienced players.

"They need someone to look at and go: 'That's how you play as a number nine, that's how you do it'. When you're going to buy somebody who hasn't got as much experience as I'd like, I think that's another risk."