Manchester United's attempt to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer transfer window was far from subtle.
Erik ten Hag made no secret of United's desire to strengthen their attacking options this season. Six new players have arrived under the Dutchman, but only Christian Eriksen and Antony are likely to regularly have a direct impact on goal contributions throughout the campaign.
There is also the ongoing ever present issue of Cristiano Ronaldo's future. The 37-year-old has not started a Premier League match for Ten Hag since the sobering 4-0 defeat to Brentford. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had wanted to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of Champions League football - a move that failed to materialise.
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United will still be looking to sign a new striker in the near future, with Marcus Rashford primarily operating centrally, as Jadon Sancho and Antony appear on either wing. Ronaldo has been the focal point in attack this season when the England international has not started - as an injury-hampered start to Anthony Martial's campaign leaves fans wondering just how the Ten Hag will utilise the Frenchman on a regular basis.
Sesko was heavily linked with a move to United during the summer transfer window, but the 19-year-old eventually agreed to join Red Bull Leipzig next year. The Reds pushed hard for the transfer to be made, with football director John Murtough holding a meeting with Sesko's agent, Elvis Basanovic, in an attempt to broker a move.
The Slovenian scored 11 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions for Red Bull Salzburg last season. Sesko even scored against Liverpool in pre-season, a strike that went down very well with the United faithful.
However, there is another name at Salzburg that United fans should perhaps be keeping their eyes on - Sesko's teammate, Noah Okafor.
The 22-year-old Swiss international is capable of playing any position along the front-line, but is best suited to that of a central striker or attacking midfielder. Ten Hag may be particularly interested in Okafor due to his versatility, particularly his natural tendency to cut in from the left-hand side and score with his dominant right foot.
The Salzburg forward boasts blistering pace, combined with superb vision and dribbling abilities. Given his success at beating his man and taking on defenders in 1 v 1 situations, it seems that his play style is naturally suited to the Premier League.
The physicality of leading the line could be a potential sticking point for Okafor, at just 6ft tall, he does not compose the most commanding of figures. However, if his Champions League record this season is anything to go by, he should be just fine.
Okafor is one of only three players to have scored in every Champions League game they have played in this season. His 71st-minute penalty for Salzburg on Wednesday night gave his side the win against Dinamo Zagreb. That was his 8th goal in 14 games across all competitions this season, also managing to provide two assists along the way.
United may have missed out on the marquee signing of Sesko, yet it could well be another Salzburg striker flying under the radar that can be the key to Ten Hag's striking dilemma and provide the goals he is craving.
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