Benjamin Sesko
Image Credits: Getty Images
Manchester United have made an offer to RB Leipzig over the transfer of Benjamin Sesko, according to the Athletic.
This arrives as bad news for Liverpool, who need Newcastle to secure a striker replacement in Sesko before sanctioning the sale of Alexander Isak.
Sesko’s arrival would provide the Magpies with a ready-made replacement, allowing Eddie Howe to sanction the sale of Alexander Isak without a lengthy hunt for reinforcements.
In effect, Sesko’s transfer acts as the domino piece: once sealed, Newcastle can swiftly offload Isak – accelerating Liverpool’s long-standing pursuit and clearing the path for their marquee striking target.
David Ornstein reports that the Red Devils have tabled €75m + €10m in an attempt to sign the Slovenian international, and adds that Newcastle’s pursuit of the striker is due to Isak’s desire to leave:
“United’s offer comes after Newcastle United had submitted an improved bid for the striker.”
“Their opening bid of €75million plus €5million in add-ons was deemed insufficient by Leipzig, leading Newcastle to increase it to at least €80m.”
“Newcastle have a longstanding interest in Sesko, with the club’s pursuit of him coming amid last season’s top scorer Alexander Isak expressing a desire to leave. Liverpool had an initial £110m bid for Isak rejected.”
Furthermore, the report claims that Manchester United believe Sesko favours a move to Old Trafford, which is detrimental to Liverpool’s chances of signing Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United wants the 22-year-old as an Isak replacement but could now see their plans scuppered.
As DaveOCKOP.com reported, the Reds do not want a long saga for the Newcastle star, but this latest development threatens to deny the Merseyside giants their wish.
Liverpool want the Isak situation to be decided one way or another so they can move onto center-back targets – with the chief option being Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Either way, Liverpool’s summer recruitment strategy regarding Isak hinges on Newcastle’s ability to land Sesko.
A breakdown in those negotiations would not only derail the Isak deal but could force the Reds into reactive shopping.
Meanwhile, for Newcastle, Sesko’s possible rejection would be part of an unenviable list of players who have already turned down St James’ Park this summer, including Bryan Mbumeo, Liam Delap, James Trafford, and Joao Pedro.
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