Manchester United are battling Newcastle to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who has been the subject of a bid from the Toon amid fears that Alexander Isak will join Liverpool
Alan Smith Football News Reporter and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
12:50, 03 Aug 2025Updated 12:56, 03 Aug 2025
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on May 17, 2025
Benjamin Sesko has been linked to Man Utd(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United are locked in a battle with Newcastle United over their pursuit of striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig - with the Magpies lodging a bid for the Slovenian international amidst concerns that they might lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
However, United are still in the running as Newcastle's initial offer falls short of Leipzig's valuation. A hefty sum north of £70m is expected to be needed to prise Sesko away from the Bundesliga outfit.
Ruben Amorim's squad will conclude their US tour on Sunday night against Everton amidst fresh rumours about interest in Bruno Fernandes from Saudi Arabia. However, United fans will get their first glimpse of Bryan Mbeumo in action since his move from Brentford against David Moyes' team.
Here are the transfer stories to keep tabs on as the new season looms.
Benjamin Sesko's no-show
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko was absent from the clash(Image: Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko was notably absent from RB Leipzig's matchday squad for their friendly against Serie A side Atalanta on Saturday afternoon, putting the sought-after striker squarely in the middle of a tug of war between Manchester United and Newcastle, reports the Mirror.
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Leipzig did not provide an explanation for Sesko's absence. Following reports of Newcastle firming up their interest in the forward, amidst a separate drama over the future of their current top scorer Isak, the Toon have now tabled a bid shy of £70m for Sesko.
In light of this, United are steeling themselves for drawn-out talks with Bundesliga side Leipzig, who are holding their ground on their £70m price tag.
Bruno Fernandes Saudi-bound?
Bruno Fernandes #8 of Manchester United looks on during the first half of the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia
Bruno Fernandes has caught the eye of Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, adding to the list of clubs keen on the United skipper. The Portuguese midfielder had been linked with a Middle East move earlier this summer.
Al-Hilal had previously dangled a hefty offer before Fernandes that would have seen him pocket around €70m (£61.1m) annually. The Saudi team were also prepared to fork out €120m (£104.7m) to United for their star midfielder.
However, according to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, Al-Nassr are now in the running for Fernandes. Manager Jorge Jesus is spearheading the club's pursuit, having previously worked with the midfielder at Sporting Lisbon.
Bryan Mbeumo debut
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo is set for a Man Utd debut(Image: Getty Images)
Bryan Mbeumo is set to make his much-anticipated Manchester United debut on Sunday in their US tour finale.
Mbeumo missed victories over West Ham and Bournemouth as he was lagging behind the rest of the squad in pre-season fitness levels.
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However, the Cameroonian winger, who bagged a whopping 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, is set to strut his stuff for Ruben Amorim's squad as they wrap up their US tour against Everton at Atlanta's Mercedes Benz stadium.