United and Newcastle are locked in a battle to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer
Sean McCormick is a content editor across our North East and Yorkshire football clubs. He was previously a Newcastle United reporter, a trends writer covering both the Magpies and Sunderland AFC, as well as a football content editor at the Manchester Evening News. He also writes about darts and boxing. He joined us in 2016.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (left) with striker Alexander Isak
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (left) with striker Alexander Isak
It is set to be a major week in Manchester United's pursuit of signing a new forward this summer.
Manchester Evening News reported earlier this week that they are preparing to advance on a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko as they look to solve their goalscoring woes.
Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions for the German side last season, including in the Champions League, while United's forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined for just seven Premier League goals.
After missing out on the signing of Liam Delap to Chelsea, Sesko has become United's primary target but they are facing fierce competition from Newcastle United.
The Magpies have endured a brutal summer in the transfer window and despite securing the signings of Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and former United winger Anthony Elanga, they have missed out on a number of key targets.
Joao Pedro chose Chelsea, Bryan Mbeumo chose United, James Trafford chose Man City and Hugo Ekitike chose Liverpool.
The pressure is on Newcastle to get Sesko over the line as a result and the forward has a choice to make as to whether to move to Tyneside or Old Trafford.
Newcastle made their move yesterday, launching an official bid for the Slovenia international forward, although it is below Leipzig's valuation.
While United have not yet made a bid, the situation could be accelerated by Alexander Isak's situation at Newcastle. The Swedish international has been pushing for a move to Liverpool and the Reds have had a bid rejected by Newcastle.
Isak missed Newcastle's tour of Asia and has been training on his own in Spain but is believed to be back in the UK and had been expecting to return to training on Monday.
But Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has cast fresh doubt on his future speaking in the aftermath of their draw with Tottenham on Sunday.
“Of course I'd like him to be, but whether he will I don’t know at this moment in time," Howe said when asked whether the 25-year-old will return to training next week.
"Other people have been dealing with that situation back at home."
Isak's situation at Newcastle is precarious and if there is no change in the player's mind to stay at Newcastle, their pursuit of Sesko could accelerate this week to soften the blow of Isak's potential departure.
That could force United to make their play, too, and it is a situation to keep a close eye on over the coming days.
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