As they aim to spend big once again this summer, Manchester United could yet add to their summer funds after a Champions League club opened talks to sign one of their want-away forwards.
Man Utd agree blockbuster Sesko deal
After missing out on European football and finishing as low as 15th, Manchester United were expected to struggle in the transfer market this summer. May believed that the United name, alone, would struggle to attract players and a record low in the Premier League was thought to be a drop too far for players of a certain calibre to even consider.
As it turns out, however, that assumption couldn't have been more wrong. The Theatre of Dreams remains exactly that for a number of players rather than the nightmare it has become for certain stars and Ruben Amorim's side have welcomed some much-needed improvements as a result.
First through the door was Matheus Cunha before Bryan Mbeumo soon followed to take the Red Devils' spending to around the £120m-mark and now their most impressive arrival yet is reportedly on his way.
Newcastle United had the Champions League advantage and, at this stage, it wouldn't be absurd to suggest that they have the more attractive project. What they don't have, however, is the Manchester United name; the history of Old Trafford and a reputation as one of the most successful clubs in world football which made Benjamin Sesko's decision for him.
The RB Leipzig forward's arrival is likely to take United's spending to around £180m, which could yet see the Red Devils turn to the transfer market to sell several unwanted stars this month.
Benfica open talks to sign Antony
One of the players likely to leave this month is Antony, but whilst it seemed as though a return to Real Betis was on the cards, another side have now entered the fray. According to CNN Portugal, as relayed by Sport Witness, Benfica have now opened talks to sign Antony in an unexpected hijack ahead of Betis before the window slams shut at the start of next month.
INEOS have been 'messed around' by Betis this summer, meaning they are delighted more clubs are now entering a potential bidding war.
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The Brazilian enjoyed a revived spell on loan at the La Liga club last season, but they have so far been unable to agree a second spell. Leaving the door ajar for other suitors to come swooping in, Benfica are now reportedly negotiating a loan deal which will see them buy a percentage of the winger. United, unsurprisingly, would prefer such an offer.
Dubbed a "special case" by Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini, Antony will be desperate to seal a move away from Manchester United this summer. Whether he's willing to take a pay-cut from his reported £200,000-a-week (£10m-a-year) salary to do so may well be another question, however.