Manchester United and Newcastle are battling it out for the signature of Benjamin Sesko.
Over the past 24 hours it has become clear that Manchester United do not have quite the clear run we hoped for over Benjamin Sesko.
Newcastle submitted a bid worth £65 million plus add-ons for Sesko. It later turned out this has been rejected.
David Ornstein reports: “RB Leipzig view Newcastle offer for Benjamin Sesko as insufficient.”
He adds that Manchester United’s pursuit continues, with no bid yet presented for the striker.
Manchester United are playing a smarter game with Benjamin Sesko
Manchester United are playing a smarter game over Benjamin Sesko, refusing to rush in with a bid.
United’s strategy is to negotiate with the player first and win him over. Once Sesko gives his approval to the Red Devils, the club will submit a bid.
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This is a smarter approach as it gives Manchester United leverage in negotiations with RB Leipzig.
United intend to close the battle down to a one-horse race, preventing themselves being caught in a bidding war with Newcastle.
And then there is the benefit of avoiding the humiliation of bidding for a player who does not want to join in the first place. Let’s find that out first.
Benjamin Sesko runs for RB Leipzig
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Newcastle may have repeated their own mistake
Newcastle have rushed in with a bid for Benjamin Sesko without the striker’s green-light that he wants to join only them.
This repeats what they did with Hugo Ekitike earlier this summer, who ended up joining Liverpool.
German journalist Christopher Michel called out their approach, bemused at the strategy and first making the Ekitike comparison.
He posted on X: “What is #NUFC’s tactic? As they did with #Ekitike, they send an offer for #Sesko without having reached an agreement with the player. Why?”
Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United continue to play a patient game, and remain in contact with his club.
He reports: “Man United still there, in contact with Leipzig as well, set to bid if Sesko chooses them.”
We will soon find out if United’s approach pays off, but there is no reason for Red Devils fans to panic right now.