David Ornstein has provided a substantial update on the future of Benjamin Sesko after both Manchester United (£73.8 million) and Newcastle United (£78.3 million) formally tabled their offers this week.
The transfer expert has confirmed this morning that the Red Devils are ‘closing in’ on a deal for their first-choice forward target – despite RB Leipzig accepting Newcastle’s bid.
However, Sesko’s determination to join the 20-time champions over Newcastle has cornered Leipzig into negotiating the lesser proposal in order to grant their frontman’s wishes.
🚨 Manchester United closing in on deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. #RBLeipzig accepted €82.5m + €2.5m bid from Newcastle United but 22yo striker wants #MUFC. No club-to-club agreement yet but talks advancing towards conclusion @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/fhMckcdfRU
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 6, 2025
Benjamin Sesko rebuffs lucrative Newcastle approach
Benjamin Sesko in action for Leipzig
(Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Ornstein adds that the Magpies had made it clear to Sesko they were also willing to pay a more lucrative financial package for him to make the switch to St. James’ Park, whilst allowing him to ply his trade in the Champions League next season, which they qualified for via a fifth-placed finish in 2024/2025.
Yet, the Slovenian international is now poised to join the host of players to have rejected Newcastle this summer, along with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike.
This comes amid reports Alexander Isak is angling for a blockbuster move to Liverpool, with the Tyneside outfit already rejecting a £110m bid for him last week.
Sesko coup could spell the end of one Red’s United career
Ramus Hojlund in action for Man Utd
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
As for United, it’s no secret that Sesko wasn’t actually their first choice heading into the window.
Delap was atop their shortlist when Ipswich Town’s relegation meant he’d be available for just £30m this summer, whilst they also held talks over Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres, the latter of which has since signed for Arsenal.
The prospective arrival of the 22-year-old will throw Rasmus Hojlund’s future into question, given he’s poised to play second fiddle to Sesko in the aftermath of a four-goal league campaign.
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Benjamin Sesko in action for RB Leipzig
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Players of Manchester United pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford on April 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)