Manchester United are set to miss out on a surprise January target with Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the verge of signing a new contract at Leeds.
United were reported to be interested in the 29-year-old after being impressed at the way he has rebuilt his career at Elland Road since moving from Everton in 2025.
Calvert-Lewin crossed the Pennines 16 months ago on a free transfer having struggled with numerous injury problems that restricted him to just 92 Premier League appearances in his final four seasons with the Toffees.
Leeds, then newly promoted, took a chance on him and have been richly rewarded. Calvert-Lewin scored 14 league goals in 35 appearance last season and already has four in eight this term, including one against Manchester United two weeks ago in a 1-1 draw.
More importantly, he has stayed fit having changed his routines and improved his nutrition, recovery and sleep patterns.
United target Calvert-Lewin back in the England fold
Calvert-Lewin was recalled by England in March and, although he missed out on a place at the World Cup, he won his 14th cap last month in the 3-0 win over Czechia.
He had been linked with United as they search for experienced cover for Benjamin Sesko. Calvert-Lewin’s current deal expires in 2028 but reports this morning suggest he is ready to commit his long-term future to the West Yorkshire club.
Sesko has been ruled out until January at least due to a shin injury, leaving Michael Carrick short of an out-and-out number nine to lead the line. They have been operating with Matheus Cunha or Bryant Mbeumo in attack but both men prefer to play in a slightly more withdrawn role.
United go to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime with Carrick’s job hanging by a thread. The 3-0 loss to Bournemouth last Sunday was their eighth game without a win in all competitions and they go into the weekend in 16th place in the Premier League table.
Captain Bruno Fernandes will return at Stamford Bridge after conciliatory talks with Carrick this week. The Portugal international was benched last weekend for criticising the head coach’s tactics in the Champions League defeat to Como.
You Should Also Read
