Benjamin Sesko is now Man United's main striker target after approaches for Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins came to nought.
Sesko is wanted by United
Sesko is wanted by United
Manchester United are confident of financing a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko before selling any members of their 'bomb squad'.
United have opened discussions to sign Sesko, 22, in a deal that could cost up to £79million. Newcastle United are resigned to Sesko joining United, having lined up the Slovenia international as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak if he joins Liverpool.
Newcastle have suggested United are at an advanced stage to sign Sesko, though club sources have denied that.
United figures believe they have extra headroom to do a deal for a striker without any imminent sales following the season-long loan of Marcus Rashford. Barcelona are covering Rashford's salary in full, which has saved United around £14m.
The club raised £20.7m from sell-on clauses following transfers involving academy players Anthony Elanga, Alvaro Carreras and Maxi Oyedele, as well as £5m from the penalty fee Chelsea paid to not buy Jadon Sancho.
United have made additional savings following a frugal winter transfer window in which they signed Patrick Dorgu for an up-front fee of £25m and loaned out Rashford and Antony, with the majority of their salaries covered by Aston Villa and Real Betis.
The signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were structured with instalments, so although United have committed to investing £133.5m in the pair, the cost is spread over a period of time.
United's profitability and sustainability position has improved following a second round of redundancies in as many years. United have slashed their workforce by roughly a third since co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority stake was ratified in February 2024.
The next three-year PSR cycle will also omit the extravagant signings of Casemiro and Antony, bought for a combined fee rising to £156.3m in August 2022.
United still intend to sell 'bomb squad' members Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia but expect there to be movement nearer the September 1 transfer deadline.
Chelsea are interested in Garnacho, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund have held informal discussions about a deal for Sancho and Malacia has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
United insiders have stressed they still have to sell senior players within the next year.
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