Former Manchester United interim manager and current Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick has advised Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic against a move to Old Trafford this summer.
The 6ft 6in striker endured an injury-disrupted 2021-22 season in Germany but has nevertheless attracted glances from across Europe with his prolific form in the past couple of years.
Kalajdzic left Admira Wacker in 2019 to sign for Stuttgart and struck 16 Bundesliga goals in 33 outings during the 2020-21 season, as well as providing six assists.
The Austria international was restricted to just 15 top-flight appearances last term amid his injury woes but nevertheless managed six goals and two assists in the Bundesliga to help Stuttgart stay up.
Kalajdzic also started and set up Naouirou Ahamada's equaliser in last weekend's 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig, but his contract with Stuttgart has now entered its final 12 months.
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As a result, the Bundesliga club are at risk of seeing the 25-year-old leave for free in 2023, leading to suggestions that he could be moved on for a small fee in the current transfer window.
However, Rangnick - who is now working with Kalajdzic in the national team setup - does not believe that an exit from Stuttgart would be beneficial to the striker at this moment in time.
"It is important that Sasa remains injury-free this season and trains and plays at the highest possible level. If he stays in Stuttgart this season it won't be detrimental to his development," Rangnick told Sky Deutschland.
Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur were previously linked with a move for Kalajdzic, who has totalled 24 goals and 10 assists in 58 outings for Stuttgart in all tournaments.
Man United went without a recognised centre-forward in their Premier League opener with Brighton & Hove Albion last week, with Christian Eriksen instead playing as a false nine.
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Cristiano Ronaldo was only considered for a spot on the bench due to his lack of pre-season minutes, while Anthony Martial missed out with a hamstring injury.
Ronaldo was eventually brought off the bench as Man United went down 2-1 to the Seagulls at Old Trafford, but the 37-year-old is still thought to be pining for an exit.
Marcus Rashford's entourage are also said to have held recent talks with Paris Saint-Germain, but the Ligue 1 giants will supposedly not be following up their interest in the 24-year-old.
Man United will aim to pick up their first win of the new season when they meet Brentford in gameweek two on Saturday evening.
Ben Knapton
