Manchester United has made its move for Benjamin Sesko. After Newcastle had made the first bid, the Red Devils have responded with their own proposal, in a move which could have ramifications for Arne Slot's transfer plans at Anfield.
Per The Athletic, Man United has bid $86.5 million + $11.5 million in add-ons for the 22-year-old striker. That reflects its internal valuation of the forward.
RB Leipzig is yet to respond. Newcastle had earlier made a second Sesko offer of its own, worth slightly more in guaranteed funds, as it assessess potential Alexander Isak replacements amid interest from Liverpool.
It had been reported by the Daily Mail that Sesko was being viewed by Newcastle as a replacement for Isak, and that completion of a deal may have cleared the way for Liverpool to land the Swede with an increased bid. But after a brutal summer of missing out on targets, this threatens to be another setback for the Magpies.
Man United believes that Sesko favors a move to Old Trafford over St James' Park. That could significantly weaken Newcastle's position.
And this time, Liverpool stands to miss out as a result of Newcastle's struggles. Failure to land Sesko with the clock ticking down until the start of the season would make it even more complicated to sanction a departure for Isak.
Nothing is decided yet, with Man United's proposal notably valued slightly below Newcastle's second bid. It is more in line with the Magpies' first proposal, which was ultimately knocked back by RB Leipzig.
But signs are ominous on Tyneside, where fans will fear a familiar story is playing out. It already lost Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool earlier in the window, while Man United won the race for both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
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