Sasa Kalajdzic: Man Utd, Everton among four Prem clubs named as Stuttgart chief reacts to transfer rumours

Stuttgart’s sporting director has directly responded to the growing interest in Sasa Kalajdzic coming from Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Everton.

Kalajdzic is not your usual striker. Standing at 6ft 7in, he can cause defenders plenty of problems thanks to his aerial threat.

But the 25-year-old is also good with his feet, which makes him a great option for teams at the top level.

Kalajdzic was deadly in front of goal during the 2020-21 campaign. He hit 17 goals in 36 matches for Stuttgart, with 16 of those strikes coming in the Bundesliga.

The forward was gearing up for another successful season the following year, only to pick up a serious shoulder injury last August. He managed to get amongst the goals on his return but had to settle for just 15 appearances after being held back by the issue.

Kalajdzic is now back to full fitness and raring to go. However, he could end up leaving Stuttgart altogether.

Manchester United have previously taken a look at the Austria international, who has won 15 caps so far.

They went on to pursue other targets but are now back in for him, as per The Times. Their report claims the Red Devils want to land Kalajdzic to give Erik ten Hag a completely different option up front, one that is more physical.

Stuttgart chief responds to Sasa Kalajdzic links

It’s unclear how much Stuttgart will demand for their goalscorer. transfermarkt rate him at £22.5m, though his contract expires next year and this may reduce his price tag.

During a recent interview with German outlet Fussball News, Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat was quizzed about Kalajdzic’s future.

He said (via HITC): “We’ve been living with rumours for weeks. [We have] not heard from Manchester United, West Ham, Everton or Chelsea.”

West Ham, Everton and Chelsea were all thought to be on the player’s trail last summer. But Mislintat confirms the trio, along with Man Utd, are yet to begin talks over a move.

Following their shock pursuit of Marko Arnautovic, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Man Utd went for Kalajdzic. He fits the profile of the aggressive, strong striker Ten Hag wants.

Chelsea could also take another look at the Austrian after allowing Romelu Lukaku to go back to Inter Milan on loan.

Everton remain in the hunt for a new centre-forward following Richarlison’s £60m transfer to Tottenham. But the Toffees want to sign Ludovic Arjoque from Strasbourg, meaning Kalajdzic probably won’t be on their radar.

Finally there is West Ham. Their need for a new hitman has been well documented in the last 18 months.

But David Moyes finally has another striker who can lessen the load for Michail Antonio. Gianluca Scamacca is the man in question, after joining West Ham from Sassuolo on July 26.

Meanwhile, a European giant has reportedly held positive talks with the agent of Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford.