The latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip includes an update on target Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko
Man United target Benjamin Sesko(Image: PA)
Benjamin Sesko is yet to make a decision on his future following an offer from Newcastle United amid interest from Manchester United.
The Manchester Evening News reported earlier this week that United - eager to sign a goalscorer this summer - are making progress on a deal to bring the Slovenia international to Old Trafford. Sky Sports reported on Saturday that Newcastle had tabled an opening bid worth just under £70million.
United are expected to go head-to-head with Newcastle for Sesko, following reports that Alexander Isak is considering exploring his options away from Tyneside. Liverpool have already had a bid of £110m rejected.
The Reds' hierarchy have informed RB Leipzig that they intend to submit an offer and begin negotiations for Sesko, though they've been warned that Newcastle are ready to pay whatever it takes. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that the player has yet to make a final decision.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed: "But the bids at the moment are not going to make a difference because Newcastle are going to pay what is needed if Sesko decides to join them and Man United are ready to bid and start a negotiation if Sesko decides to join them so this depends on Sesko.
"It's late night on Saturday, the night between Saturday and Sunday and Sesko at the moment he has still not decided. From now on we are entering into really important stages. I can add two more factors to this story, two small details. The first one: the agent of Sesko is now in Leipzig to speak directly with the player and also to help negotiations with RB Leipzig.
"But he is now with the player and so we are now entering into decision time with Sesko. He travelled there today after he closed another deal in the last 24/48 hours. So now full focus is on the Sesko decision. And then another factor: Man United made clear to RB Leipzig again on Saturday night that they will send a bid for him if the player opens the door to joining them. So Newcastle already put the money on the table but since last week they told Leipzig 'we are ready, we will pay'."
Romano continued: "Now Man United, after contact made a few days ago, told again tonight RB Leipzig 'we are prepared to come and bid for Sesko'. It's like saying 'we are also here, it's not just Newcastle putting the money on the table'. Newcastle are paying whatever it takes, and so obviously financially it's a different proposition.
"But Man United are prepared to open talks. They are prepared to enter in the scene and prepared to bid but if Sesko decides to join them. Obviously United feel Sesko is still deciding, has not decided to go to Newcastle. It is still 50/50, but United made new contact with Leipzig and so this story is absolutely open."
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