Manchester United are battling Newcastle to land German striker Benjamin Sesko.
Benjamin Sesko is Manchester United’s first choice striker target, and negotiations are ongoing to land the RB Leipzig forward.
The Red Devils are attempting to persuade Benjamin Sesko to commit his future to the club, amid competition from Newcastle, who have already charged in unsuccessfully with a bid.
Sesko was left out of RB Leipzig’s squad for their friendly game at the weekend as the uncertainty over his future goes on.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko update
Benjamin Sesko, 22, is a striker with incredibly high potential, who could follow Alexander Isak’s success in the Premier League.
He is a player Manchester United have been tracking for years, who was previously signed for Red Bull Salzburg by Christopher Vivell, the Red Devils’ current recruitment lead.
The Premier League season kicks off in a fortnight and Manchester United would ideally close a deal this week.
German football expert Jan-Aage Fjortoft underlines that both clubs in the race cannot wait ‘indefinitely’ for Sesko to make his mind up.
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He posted on X: “There has been talk of the clubs setting a deadline for Sesko’s decision. From the English clubs’ perspective, this makes sense- they need clarity to either move forward or walk away. Both Newcastle and Manchester United have alternative targets and cannot wait indefinitely. I believe a decision must be made in the coming days.”
He adds that Manchester United are Sesko’s first choice destination, but he wants clarity from the Red Devils that the club can fund a deal.
He posted: “Newcastle need confirmation that they have a genuine chance to sign him, while Manchester United must demonstrate that they can fund the deal.
“As I’ve said before, Sesko’s first choice is Manchester United. However, he needs to be convinced that the club can actually get the deal done.”
Manchester United can fund Benjamin Sesko move
A move for Benjamin Sesko is not dependent on Rasmus Hojlund’s exit, with the Danish striker keen to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.
Manchester United can fund a mega-deal for Sesko after spreading payments on signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while also landing around £20 million in sell-on fees.
United also have funds incoming from likely sales of Antony, while there are also plans to shift Jadon Sancho’s wages off the books after managing to do so with Marcus Rashford.
Sesko need not worry about United’s ability to accomplish the deal, providing the fee is in the £60-70 million range and RB Leipzig do not demand an astronomical figure.