Manchester United are exploring a shock January move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the in-form Leeds United striker who tormented them at Elland Road earlier this month. But bitter rivals Leeds have no intention of selling their star forward to the Red Devils.
According to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Beren Cross, United are “exploring the market for centre forwards in January, and one name under consideration is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.” The 29-year-old England international has been on United’s radar “for some time,” and recruitment staff are “trying to establish if a move when the window opens is feasible.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Credits: ESPN)
Man United Calvert-Lewin Transfer: Why January Makes Sense
The timing is no coincidence. United’s Benjamin Sesko is sidelined until at least January with a persistent shin injury, with the club refusing to rush the 23-year-old Slovenian back. That leaves Michael Carrick’s side desperate for a focal point through the middle in the second half of the season.
Calvert-Lewin fits the bill in stunning form. The striker has five goals in ten appearances this season for Daniel Farke’s Leeds, including the goal against United in their 1-1 draw at Elland Road. Since joining Leeds on a free transfer from Everton in summer 2025, he has 20 goals in 49 appearances — and 75 Premier League goals across his career.
Leeds Will Resist: Rivalry, Contract and a New Deal
The obstacles are enormous. Leeds are expected to be “fiercely protective” of their leading marksman, and the historic United-Leeds rivalry makes a mid-season sale to their arch rivals virtually unthinkable. Leeds are reportedly set to offer Calvert-Lewin a new contract on top of his current terms, which run until June 2028.
The Athletic itself rates the chances of a transfer as “remote.” Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s Alan Brazil questioned whether the move would be a mere “stop-gap” for United, noting Leeds “won’t want to lose Dom, that’s for sure.”
United have also been linked with a five-man striker shortlist including Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi and a surprise interest in Rayan Ait-Nouri, while United legend Rio Ferdinand has argued the club should have signed a focal point like Danny Welbeck in the summer.
Also Read: Transfer Rumors: Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City Tracking PSG Star Désiré Doué — But He Wants to Stay
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
