Man Utd eye Spurs flop as transfer fee set amid Benjamin Sesko injury woes

Manchester United are tracking Real Betis forward Troy Parrott, who has a £67.5m release clause, with scouts sent to watch the Republic of Ireland international in action

Manchester United are weighing up a stunning move for ex-Tottenham forward Troy Parrott, with the club said to have 'sent officials' to Spain to watch him in action for Real Betis.

Parrott, 24, departed Spurs in 2024 to sign for Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar in a £6.7million permanent deal. During his spell in the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland international put up some eye-catching goalscoring figures, netting 51 times in 97 appearances across all competitions.

Those numbers, combined with a consistent scoring record for Ireland, earned him a £17m switch to Betis over the summer. Since arriving in Spain, Parrott has continued to impress, chipping in with two goals and one assist in seven matches this season.

Speculation has been mounting that Tottenham could look to lure Parrott back to north London, as Roberto De Zerbi seeks to bolster his attacking options. However, Spurs are far from the only Premier League side thought to be circling.

According to Fichero, Parrott's displays have 'sparked serious interest' from the English top-flight, with United believed to be firmly in the running. It is understood the Red Devils are on the hunt for a No.9 with potential who can hit the ground running, having opted against signing a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window. This is where Parrott would enter the frame with his 'link-up play, physical strength, and clinical finishing'.

United are monitoring his development closely and have dispatched scouts to observe him in action for Betis in both La Liga and the Champions League. Manuel Pellegrini's outfit have been in exceptional form this season, collecting 19 points from a possible 24 in the league and a perfect six from six in Europe's premier club tournament.

However, while Michael Carrick's squad are believed to hold an interest in Parrott, there is no suggestion, at present, of United pursuing further moves for the striker. He is tied down until 2031 with a release clause set at £67.5million, a sum that may deter prospective buyers, United included.

Benjamin Sesko remains the primary striker at United, though he has battled with injuries and continues to be sidelined. At present, there are legitimate worries about when the Slovenian international might return to fitness.

United chose not to recruit a deputy for Sesko during the summer and kept Joshua Zirkzee as their alternative option despite it appearing the Dutch forward would depart on transfer deadline day, a choice that certain fans regard as misguided.