Manchester United’s search for a reliable centre-forward is back in focus, with Give Me Sport reporting that Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among the names being considered. It is a link that makes immediate sense on paper, even if any move would be difficult to execute given Leeds’ current stance.

United’s latest stumble, a 1-1 draw at Fulham, did little to ease the pressure around Michael Carrick. Matheus Cunha’s late equaliser rescued a point at Craven Cottage, though the wider feeling remains one of drift. United have one win in five Premier League games and there is already renewed scrutiny over the long-term direction of the project.

The attacking issue sits near the top of that list. United still look short of a dependable focal point. Benjamin Sesko has shown flashes but has struggled to establish consistency, Joshua Zirkzee has yet to truly settle, and Cunha often appears more comfortable drifting from wider areas than leading the line. That lack of a natural No 9 is shaping transfer thinking.

According to the report, Calvert-Lewin is viewed as an option after a strong start to the season with Leeds. His output has been encouraging, with four goals in seven games, and the underlying numbers are solid too. He has registered 2.8 expected goals, 2.3 shots per game, 1 shot on target per game, 1.02 progressive passes and 3.68 forward passes per game.

Those figures point towards a striker offering more than penalty-box presence alone. Calvert-Lewin has long been valued for his physical profile, aerial ability and movement, and when fit he provides a structure to attacks that many teams need. For United, that profile could have appeal as they seek greater balance in the final third.

There is, however, an obvious complication. Leeds signed him on a free transfer before last season, and the report states they have no intention of selling him in either of the next two transfer windows. From their perspective, that is understandable. They are progressing well and see him as central to their plans.

Leeds would also stand to make pure profit on any sale, but that does not mean they are under pressure to cash in. Internally, Calvert-Lewin appears to be regarded as a key dressing-room and tactical asset. If United are serious, they may need to test that resolve with a significant offer, likely in the summer rather than January.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has been glowing in his assessment. Speaking this month, he said: “Dominic is like a good wine, getting better by the year. Physically, he’s on a top level and his pace is more than good enough I would say. He’s a very complete striker.”