Man United are in the race to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer alongside Newcastle United.
Benjamin Sesko celebrates after scoring for RB Leipzig.
Benjamin Sesko is on Manchester United's radar.(Image: Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images.)
With less than a fortnight to go until the start of the new Premier League season, it remains to be seen if Manchester United will sign a striker in time.
The Reds will welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford for their season opener on August 17 and time is running out for them to source a new goal-getter for the visit of Mikel Arteta's side.
It is no secret RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has claimed residency at the top of United's wish list, but they face staunch competition from Newcastle United for his signature.
Unlike United, Newcastle have tabled official offers for the Slovenian international, the second of which, according to Sky Sports, was worth £69.7million as a fixed fee plus add-ons. United are understood to be waiting to make their move until they have received assurances from Sesko that he wants to move to Old Trafford.
After reaching an agreement to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves on the opening day of the transfer window at the beginning of June, United were expected to get signings through the door at pace, particularly when it emerged they were interested in signing Bryan Mbeumo the following day.
However, negotiations with Brentford took weeks, so much so he did not finalise his switch to Old Trafford until July 21. With that in mind, United are unlikely to rush into making an offer for Sesko just because Newcastle have made their move.
United are changing how they operate in the transfer market this summer, trying to distance themselves from paying over the odds and rushing into deals.
Chief executive Omar Berrada told United We Stand in June: "He [Matheus Cunha] was an important one to get done. We're going to do our best to do more signings quickly.
"Sometimes when you're not quick, it's because you're negotiating and you're trying to make sure you get the right value for money. So being efficient or quick isn't necessarily the best thing for the club."
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada.
Omar Berrada needs to keep on top of Manchester United's finances.
Berrada is doing is very best to ensure United avoid having their pants pulled down in the window this summer, following several years of reckless spending.
United have been sensible in their recruitment decisions so far this summer and are unlikely to change their approach, despite Newcastle's best efforts to try and get a head start in the pursuit of Sesko.
As much as United need a striker and have taking a liking to the Slovenian, who scored 21 times for RB Leipzig last season, they know they can ill-afford to disrupt all ofthe good work that has been done already this summer by losing sight of the finances.
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