manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester United step up Benjamin Sesko transfer plan with dream Rasmus Hojlund proposal

Manchester United are reportedly set to accelerate their interest in Benjamin Sesko with a formal bid for the RB Leipzig striker after Newcastle's offer for the Slovenian

Benjamin Sesko of Leipzig in action

Manchester United and Newcastle are both looking to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer

(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United are reportedly expected to make a formal offer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The Reds are in desperate need of a prolific goalscoring striker, having scored a mere 44 goals in the Premier League last season - their lowest tally in decades.

Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins have been the most frequently mentioned potential signings. The Manchester Evening News understands that United are progressing with a possible move for Sesko, while Villa have reportedly stressed that Watkins is not on the market.

Newcastle United also have their eye on the Slovenian, as their main forward, Alexander Isak, considers options away from St James' Park amidst transfer rumours linking him with Liverpool.

The Magpies have moved first for Sesko having offered an initial €75million (£65.5m) with a further €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons for the 22-year-old over the weekend.

And Sky Sports report that United will also submit an offer in due course. The report claims from one source that Sesko is leaning towards a move to Old Trafford if the Reds can agree a deal with Leipzig.

A move to M16 would throw Rasmus Hojlund's future at M16 into doubt, though - despite the Denmark international reiterating his desire to stay.

The report adds that Leipzig are interested in Hojlund and have explored the conditions of a loan. It is said that the Bundesliga club have proposed taking the striker on loan as part of any possible deal for Sesko.

Leipzig's managing director for sport, Marcel Schafer, has also recently confirmed that clubs have made approaches for their star forward.

"We won't go into detail on that but when I say that several clubs have shown strong interest and have made approaches, it's obvious what has happened," he said.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United 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 here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here 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 Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.

Read full news in source page