Manchester United and Newcastle are battling it out for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as both clubs seek one of Europe's most promising forwards for their squad.
Isaac is a senior NCTJ-trained journalist with an MA in News Journalism. He has experience of working for national and regional news organisations including the Express, the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo. He currently covers sport across all regional sites at Reach PLC.
Benjamin Sesko lines up for Slovenia.
Manchester United could soon have one of Europe's top strikers in Benjamin Sesko after reportedly submitting a bid.
(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Manchester United have reportedly made their move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Sky Sports indicate that United have bid just under £74million for the Slovenia international - a lower offer than Newcastle's latest bid. It's not yet known which club Sesko will choose, this summer, but United's offer indicates their confidence that he will pick them over Newcastle.
And it's clear why so much money is being talked about for such an unproven talent, when you consider just how many attributes he has to succeed in the Premier League. Sesko's pace, power and height are gold dust for English clubs in a market where No.9s who fit that description are, seemingly, so rare.
The 22-year-old's latest market value from CIES Football Observatory reflects his talents. They evaluate his price at around £108million - a fee not far off what Liverpool have offered to pay Newcastle for Alexander Isak this summer.
It's why signing Sesko could be so key for either Ruben Amorim's men or Eddie Howe's team. His impact, on either squad, could transform their season.
That's even when considering that Sesko's goal-scoring numbers so far in his brief senior career are modest for any top striker. Indeed, 39 goals in 87 games is hardly an outstanding return.
There might also be concerns that Sesko could be another Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford - a player who has been arguably swallowed up by the expectation of playing for United.
But the club would at least be signing someone with slightly more experience at the top level, a star wanted by other top clubs including the Magpies and Arsenal, before the Gunners sign Viktor Gyokeres. United did not face the same competition for Hojlund.
There will now be plenty of intrigue over what happens next. Will Newcastle's higher reported offer be a factor? Could the player's possible preference for United complicate matters for Leipzig? However, this saga ends could have huge repercussions for both teams and change the direction of where they go in 2025/2026.
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