Leeds United have made a wonderful start to the season. But when a club overachieves, the Premier League’s vultures start to take notice – and Manchester United are keeping tabs.

Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as Michael Carrick’s replacement this week. The chances of the Argentine gaffer taking over at Man United without a big January budget are slim, given their crisis status.

Speaking on No Tippy Tappy Football, Allardyce said: “He’s better than what they’ve [Man United] got now. It depends on how much Leeds wanted for him. You’d take the risk, wouldn’t you? You take the risk.

“I don’t think they’ll take £20m. He’s probably worth £50 million, isn’t he? You know what I mean? It’s nice to see him doing what he’s doing at Leeds. I’d like to know what he’s done with his life to keep himself fit.

“Whether that’s a combination of his own vitality and the club getting together and going, ‘We’re going to do this to make sure that you’re ready to be picked every week’. It didn’t happen at Everton.”

Why Leeds United could be tempted into Calvert-Lewin sale

As things stand, Leeds have an agreement in principle with Calvert-Lewin over a new deal. The reports came after Calvert-Lewin was suggested as a target for Man United, but that was before Carrick’s exit.

Leeds fans will be desperate to see Calvert-Lewin remain. He is fundamental to the way Farke has his side playing, and even if he doesn’t score, he is crucial in dictating a defence and creating space for others.

But Leeds could be tempted if a big cash offer is made. Because Leeds signed him on a free from Everton, any fee is profit. If Leeds were offered £50m, as Allardyce suggests, it would all be considered profit.

That would allow Leeds to spend big without breaking Financial Fair Play rules. But what is better for Leeds, bringing in a big fee for the striker or simply keeping him? That is a question Leeds must answer.

For the majority of Leeds fans, however, keeping Calvert-Lewin is crucial. Even if Leeds spent £50m on a replacement, the chances are he could still struggle to have the impact that Calvert-Lewin is having.