RB Leipzig have reportedly rejected Newcastle United's offer for Benjamin Sesko, with the striker still undecided on his preferred destination amid interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are set to face Premier League side Everton on Sunday in their penultimate pre-season friendly ahead of the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign.
Boss Ruben Amorim will hope to finally unveil forward Bryan Mbeumo this weekend, but the former Brentford star may not be the final addition in the forward line this summer.
United have been linked with a number of strikers, and the latest rumours suggest that they are prepared to battle Newcastle for Leipzig's Sesko.
Amorim will have been relieved to learn that the Toon's £69m bid for the striker has fallen short of Leipzig's valuation according to The Athletic, with the German club wanting a sell-on clause inserted into any deal.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko during his side's match against Augsburg, on February 14, 2025
Should Amorim target Sesko or a midfielder?
It would be difficult for Amorim to justify using Rasmus Hojlund up front next season given he scored just four times in the most recent Premier League campaign.
Sesko would help complete an overhaul of United's forward options given the club would likely line up with a front three consisting of himself, Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
However, the Red Devils could struggle to match the financial package that Newcastle offered Leipzig, and signing a third forward for a significant fee could be risky given the team have other weaknesses to address.
Midfielder Casemiro has struggled as he has aged, while Manuel Ugarte has found it hard to settle into life at Old Trafford.
Amorim is also reportedly considering deploying Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role in the middle of the pitch, and such a move could damage the team's prospects of challenging for a Champions League spot considering he is at his best as a number 10.
RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko on January 12, 2025
Why Sesko's transfer is significant for the Premier League
Sesko's transfer could have a significant impact for Manchester United considering Amorim is under severe pressure to qualify for Europe after he guided his side to a 15th-placed finish last term, and failure to do so may cost him his job.
Newcastle could also be in desperate need of a striker given current number nine Alexander Isak may make a switch to Liverpool, and the Swede's exit would necessitate the addition of a forward.
Whichever club misses out on the 22-year-old attacker would then look to bring in an alternative, with Aston Villa attacker Ollie Watkins touted as an option for both sides.
The Englishman's potential exit from Villa would leave Unai Emery needing to find a replacement, and the loss of Watkins could impact their chances of qualifying for Europe.
ID:578530:1false2false3false: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5449: