Manchester United are set to beat Newcastle United in the transfer race for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with Sesko, who is prepared to sign a five-year contract with them.
Newcastle launched a bid worth €75 million plus €5m in add-ons, before it to €80m plus €10m.
United initially offered €75m plus €10m in add-ons, but Florian Plettenberg reports they are now proposing around €80m as a fixed fee plus add-ons for the Slovenian.
🚨🆕 Manchester United have improved their offer and are currently proposing around €80 million as a fixed fee + add-ons (previously €75+10).
However, there is still no agreement with RB Leipzig. Marcel Schäfer has not accepted the current offer as of this morning at 9:49am… pic.twitter.com/TMraDfMJJN
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 6, 2025
There is no club-to-club agreement yet, but with Sesko clearly favouring a move to Old Trafford, the Red Devils are in the driving seat to secure the young striker’s services.
The 22-year-old joined Leipzig in 2023, and has hit the ground running at the Red Bull Arena. In 87 appearances in all competitions, he has bagged 39 goals and eight assists for the Bundesliga outfit.
But despite his potential, former United coach Rene Meulensteen is unsure whether Sesko would do well in the Premier League.
Meulensteen believes Ruben Amorim’s side should sign a striker who has already proved his abilities in the English top-flight.
“I’m sure that they want to strengthen that position, but it would make more sense to find somebody who has got a Premier League proven record,” He said.
“That is one of the problems when you look abroad and bring in players from different leagues. The Premier League is a different animal altogether, and it shows time and time again.
“Yes, there are a lot of examples that hit the ground running, such as Alexander Isak at Newcastle. He had a great season with them.
“However, look at (Rasmus) Hojlund – he has suffered because of a lack of service. Strikers rely on service, and United have always played with wingers. He hasn’t had that.
“Sesko has a lot of potential and has plenty going for him, but to play in the Premier League and handle the pressure of being at United is not easy.”
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is an option for United, but they are not ready to meet his high valuation.
They had an interest in Liam Delap, but the English footballer opted to join Chelsea from Ipswich Town.
United have already strengthened their attack by bringing in Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
But they are still in the market for a striker following the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season.
Stats from Transfermarkt