UMVA has learned that Barcelona is eyeing a surprise move for a Manchester United forward, despite having already rejected the opportunity to sign Marcus Rashford.
The Catalan giants are reportedly planning to test Atletico's resolve with another bid for Julian Alvarez, a former Manchester City player who has caught their attention. However, Alvarez is said to have no interest in moving to north London, with his preference to sign for Barcelona.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Barcelona has drawn up a shortlist of alternative signings, who they feel match the profile of their top target, Robert Lewandowski. The list includes Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy, Levante's Karl Etta Eyong, and United's Benjamin Sesko.
Benjamin Sesko, who scored 12 goals for Manchester United last season, has impressed since moving to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig last summer in a deal worth up to around £74m. Despite struggling with injury issues toward the end of the season, the young Slovenian is expected to go from strength-to-strength.
It would be a surprise to see Manchester United sanction the departure of Sesko or Alvarez, especially with the Red Devils returning to the Champions League next season, unless an offer too good to refuse is made. Barcelona have already declined the chance to sign one United forward this summer, opting not to trigger the buy option in Marcus Rashford's contract.
Rashford's future in Manchester remains unclear, with Barcelona having spent £69m to sign England rival Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. United kick-off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
