The race to sign Benjamin Sesko is heating up between Manchester United and Newcastle.
It has been clear for the entire summer that Manchester United were in the market for a new centre-forward.
Dissatisfied with Rasmus Hojlund’s goalscoring output, Ruben Amorim has eyed up moves for multiple strikers since the transfer window opened, including Liam Delap before the English striker joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town.
United also considered a move for Viktor Gyokeres before the Swede left Sporting CP for Arsenal.
In recent weeks, United have been linked with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. It is understood that they prioritised a deal for Sesko, although an agreement has yet to be reached with the Slovenian goalscorer.
Sesko is a highly sought-after striker after scoring 21 goals for Leipzig last season. The Bundesliga club are not blocking a move for the striker, but they will want to make a handsome profit from his transfer if he leaves before the start of the new season.
RB Leipzig v VfB Stuttgart - 1. Bundesliga
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Newcastle submit formal offer for Benjamin Sesko
Sesko has never been closer to a move to the Premier League in his career.
It seemed like United were frontrunners until a report from Slovenia suggested Sesko had been persuaded by chiefs at Newcastle to move to St. James’ Park.
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That has not been confirmed but Newcastle are trying to push forward with a deal by making a formal offer for the player.
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle have offered RB Leipzig £65.5 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons.
Not only does that match Leipzig’s valuation, it puts United under pressure to match it and Ineos is trying to generate funds by selling players.
The report from Sky Sports claims Sesko is considering his options. He is open to both projects being proposed to him from the Premier League.
Newcastle rejected a £120m bid for Alexander Isak on Friday, just one day before submitting an offer to sign Sesko as a potential replacement for their Swedish striker.
The race to sign Sesko is certainly heating up.
Sesko taking his time with final decision
It has been suggested by multiple reporters this morning that Sesko has not made his final decision yet.
According to Miran Zore, Sesko has not yet chosen any club, and he has three options.
The three options include staying at RB Leipzig or moving to United or Newcastle.
United In Focus understands United are still in talks over Sesko and that Newcastle are doing this now as they don’t think Ineos will put the same deal on the table.
It’s lining up to be a big week to decide Sesko’s future.