The five Man Utd targets most heavily linked with Old Trafford transfers after Sesko arrival

After enduring their worst-ever Premier League season in 2024/25, Manchester United have been working to overhaul their squad in the summer transfer window.

Adding goals to the team was the main priority and United now have a new-look front three after signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

While that is a very strong start to the transfer window, Ruben Amorim will want further reinforcements before the final deadline on September 1.

Here, TEAMtalk will have the five players most heavily linked with a move to United – whether they go on to make that many more signings or not – as the summer transfer window progresses.

The evolving list starts with the most likely player to join the club before working its way down, and we’ve given an estimated transfer fee for each player based on reports.

Carlos Baleba

Current club: Brighton & Hove Albion

Age: 21

Position: Midfielder

Estimated transfer fee: £100m

After United bolstered their attacking options with three new signings, a new defensive midfielder has now moved to the top of their agenda.

Manuel Ugarte endured a difficult debut season at United in 2024/25, while Casemiro now lacks the athleticism and intensity that made him so formidable in previous seasons.

Baleba emerged as United’s preferred option for the role, having won a lot of plaudits for his performances during his two campaigns in the Premier League.

United recently made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion, via intermediaries, to explore the conditions of a potential deal.

According to TEAMtalk sources, United believe the Cameroon international wants to join the club and also view him as a perfect fit for Amorim’s midfield system.

But Brighton are notoriously tough negotiators and United will have to pay a club-record transfer fee to secure Baleba’s signature this summer.

An absolute belter 💥

Carlos Baleba’s last-minute winner is Guinness Goal of the Month for April 🚀#PLAwards | @OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/B3RHgHul6e

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 9, 2025

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Current club: Paris Saint-Germain

Age: 26

Position: Goalkeeper

Estimated transfer fee: £30m

The goalkeeping berth is another big area of concern for Amorim after Andre Onana endured another error-ridden campaign in 2024/25.

United made a loan offer for Emiliano Martinez earlier in the transfer window but that was rejected by Aston Villa, who will only sell the Argentina international for £40million.

United have since registered their interest in Donnarumma, who is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The 26-year-old played an integral role in PSG’s Champions League-winning campaign in 2024/25, producing man-of-the-match displays in both legs of their semi-final against Arsenal.

But he has entered the final 12 months of his contract and is yet to reach an agreement with his current employers over a new deal.

Despite United’s failure to secure European football for 2025/26, TEAMtalk understands that the Italy international would be interested in a move to Old Trafford due to the stature of the club.

The Parisians are preparing for life without Donnarumma and they left him out of their squad for the UEFA Super Cup after signing Lucas Chevalier from Lille.

Senne Lammens

Current club: Royal Antwerp

Age: 23

Position: Goalkeeper

Estimated transfer fee: £17m

While Donnarumma is available for a cut-price transfer fee, any bid for the goalkeeper could be scuppered by his wage demands.

United are considering alternative options and they made initial contact with Royal Antwerp to inquire about the conditions of a potential deal for Lammens.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough season in the Jupiler Pro League in 2024/25, recording the most saves (127) and the highest save percentage (81.4%) in Belgium’s top flight.

“Manchester United are one of the best clubs, yes,” the 23-year-old said when asked about their interest. “But you never know.

“It could also be a different club, or who knows, I might stay here. In any case, I try to keep my feet on the ground. When teams like that come along, I think you’ve earned it.”

🔴👇What Senne Lammens is capable of #MUFCpic.twitter.com/VF0FEX7GGc

— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) July 20, 2025

Morten Hjulmand

Current club: Sporting CP

Age: 26

Position: Midfielder

Estimated transfer fee: £45m

A deal for Baleba could be dependent on United recouping a lot of money through sales and they may have to look at some more budget-friendly options.

TEAMtalk understands that United are interested in Hjulmand, with Amorim eager to work with the midfielder again at Old Trafford.

He signed for Sporting CP from Lecce for £15.8million in August 2023 and helped fill the void left by Manuel Ugarte’s departure.

The Denmark international was appointed club captain by Amorim and made his feelings on the manager clear following his move to Old Trafford.

“Of course, Ruben was one of the reasons why I came to Sporting,” he said. “When you work with Ruben you see a clear picture. That was important when I joined Sporting – first to understand how he plays.

“The way that he manages the team inside the pitch and outside the pitch as well is not like I anything I have seen in my short career.”

He has a €80million (£69.1m / $92.8m) release clause in his contract, although the Portuguese will reportedly consider offers in the region of €50million (£43.2m / $58m).

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Current club: N/A

Age: 28

Position: Striker

Estimated transfer fee: £0

Rasmus Hojlund netted just four Premier League goals for United in 2024/25 and Sesko’s arrival at Old Trafford has pushed him towards the exit door.

AC Milan are looking to bring the former Atalanta striker back to Italy and are willing to pay an initial £3.47million loan fee, with an additional option to buy next summer for £34.7million.

But his departure would leave United short of senior strikers, with Joshua Zirkzee more suited to the number 10 position and Chido Obi yet to celebrate his 18th birthday.

United would reportedly like to sign a back-up striker for the 2025/26 campaign and have been credited with an interest in Calvert-Lewin.

The 28-year-old striker is currently a free agent, having parted company with Everton at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

He netted 71 goals and registered 22 assists in 273 appearances in all competitions during his nine-year stint at Goodison Park.

The England international, who won 11 caps for his country, has reportedly ditched his representative and is trying to secure a contract at Old Trafford.

READ MORE: Man Utd biggest signings: Benjamin Sesko shoots into top five after big-money transfer