Michael Carrick has been key to a \u2018decision\u2019 from Manchester United on the future on Benjamin Sesko, for whom Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are exploring a shock move for this summer.<\/p>\n
Sesko joined the Red Devils from RB Leipzig in a deal worth \u00a373.7million last summer, but the Slovenian international took time to settle at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n
He found himself starting inconsistently, but his situation changed dramatically following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and the appointment of Michael Carrick as manager.<\/p>\n
Carrick backed Sesko and afforded him more opportunities, and the 23-year-old forward took his chance.<\/p>\n
No player scored more Premier League goals than Sesko during the second half of the campaign, and he was crucial to Man Utd<\/a> finishing the season strongly and securing Champions League qualification.<\/p>\n Remarkably, those numbers came despite the fact he started only 17 league matches.<\/p>\n However, Sesko\u2019s improved form did not go unnoticed, with TEAMtalk transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, revealing that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have both been \u2018in contact\u2019 over a potential move for the striker.<\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE\u00a0\u2013 Top Man Utd target reveals transfer to Old Trafford is \u2018almost done\u2019 after \u2018medical\u2019 claim<\/a><\/p>\n Barcelona, Atletico plotting shock Sesko move<\/p>\n Bailey notes in his report that Barcelona and Atletico\u2019s interest in Sesko ties to the uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez, who remains a dream target for the Catalans.<\/p>\n \u2018Enquiries from intermediaries acting on behalf of both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been made\u2019 \u2013 with regards to Sesko \u2013 Bailey notes in his report.<\/p>\n Barcelona view Sesko as an \u2018alternative\u2019 attacking target should they miss out on Alvarez, for whom Atletico have already rejected a whopping \u00a3129million bid from Real Madrid for.<\/p>\n Atletico, meanwhile, have identified Sesko as a target in case they\u00a0do\u00a0lose Alvarez, who has his heart firmly set on a move to the Camp Nou, despite Atletico\u2019s strong stance that he\u2019s going nowhere.<\/p>\n However, Man Utd are ready to scupper both of their plans.<\/p>\n