Man Utd rule out new striker transfer due to enormous financial demands

Manchester United are prioritising signing a striker in the final month of the summer transfer window and Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson was an option for Ruben Amorim

Manchester United have ruled out a move for Nicolas Jackson after baulking at Chelsea's demands. The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new striker as Ruben Amorim continues to reboot his forward line.

United have already brought in £133.5million worth of attacking talent; Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, deals which showcase their focus on signing players with a proven track record in the Premier League.

In keeping with that stance, Mirror Football understands that Ollie Watkins, who's 75 goals and registered 34 assists in 184 top-flight appearances, has become Amorim's No.1 target. The Red Devils have also discussed signing RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who was Arsenal's second-choice behind Viktor Gyokeres and is on Newcastle's shortlist to replace Alexander Isak.

It comes after a move for Jackson, 24, was ruled out by United chiefs, according to the Athletic. It was previously claimed that Chelsea would demand between £80m and £100m for the Senegal international, who's dropped down at the pecking order at Stamford Bridge after the Blues paid £60m and £30m respectively for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

United are now stepping up their pursuit of Watkins, who Villa privately insist isn't for sale at any price. But there's a belief at Old Trafford that a deal can be done for the 29-year-old.

Although the Red Devils are reluctant to match the £60m which Arsenal bid for Watkins in January, they're hoping to find an agreement in the £40m to £45m range. Newcastle have also been linked with the Villa star, as they brace to receive a bid from Liverpool for Isak.

United are looking to reunite Watkins with Mbeumo, as the pair scored 40 Championship goals between them in the 2019-20 season for Brentford. But should Villa dig their heels in, Amorim's side could look to Sesko.

Who should Manchester United sign - Ollie Watkins or Benjamin Sesko? Have your say in the comments section.

United's interest in the Slovenian dates back to when he was 16 and they've looked at signing him on a further two occasions. When Sesko put pen to paper his new five-year contract contract in 2024, there was a gentlemen's agreement that should an elite club - by the player's definition - offer between £69m to £78m, Leipzig would sanction his departure.

Should they turn to Sesko, United have a secret weapon who could help negotiations run smoothly. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell worked in executive roles at Red Bull Salzburg and Leipzig in 2019 and 2022, the years in which Sesko signed for both clubs.