Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is a target for Man United
continues to be linked with a move to the this summer.
He was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal before the Gunners opted to pursue instead. Speculation over Sesko’s future , with a move expected to be finalised by the end of the month.
Earlier this summer, Sesko's agent, Elvis Basanovic revealed the striker's next step would Newcastle United have tried to fend off competition by launching an opening bid.
With that said, MEN Sport takes a look at the latest developments surrounding Sesko.
The Reds have reportedly made their intention to bid for the striker clear to Leipzig following Newcastle's opening offer. They are said to be 'prepared' to open talks with the Bundesliga side.
Fabrizio Romano said on his : "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'.
"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."
Newcastle 'bid'
Newcastle have been keen to get ahead of United and plan for the future amid reports that Alexander Isak is considering his options away from St James' Park. So much so they submitted a £65.5million plus £4.3m in add-ons offer.
"Newcastle are paying whatever it takes, and so obviously financially it's a different proposition," Romano added. "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.
"So Newcastle already put the money on the table but since last week they told Leipzig 'we are ready, we will pay.'"
'Decision' set to be made soon
Sesko's agent has reportedly , as the striker prepares to make a decision on his next club.
Ralf Rangnick's Sesko verdict
"They [Slovenia] didn't concede a single goal from open play at the European Championship [Euro 2024], only one from a corner and one from a throw-in," the former United interim manager said in September last year, via Laola1. "You can see how difficult it is to create chances and score goals against them.
"This is a compact, close-knit team with an outstanding individual player in Benjamin Sesko. We have to try to play fast, bring in changes of rhythm, and defend as well as we can so that we don't concede a goal ourselves."
Rasmus Hojlund 'doubt'
The potential arrival of Sesko could spell the end of time at , with Ruben Amorim admitting he’s unsure whether the Dane - who has vowed to fight for his place - will still be at the club by the end of the month.
United paid £72m for the 22-year-old in 2023, and understands they now accept internally that they may have to sell him for less than his current book value of just under £45m.
"I'm really happy with Rasmus, but I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market," Amorim said. "The important thing is that the strikers who are here are working really well, they are improving, they are helping the team and that's the most important thing. The important thing is that Rasmus is scoring goals.
"He's connecting really well with the team. He's improving. Again, I don't know what is going to happen until the market is closed. We suffered a lot because of the lack of goals last season. But I think not just the goals, but the way Rasmus connects the play.
"Every time we have to kick the ball, we are kicking the ball when we are more pressed. The ability for him to hold the defender and to connect in the support is helping us to play a lot better and we are playing better because he's playing better."
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and , and you can also watch along on .
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new . You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our.