Manchester United are increasingly confident of securing the signing of RB Leipzig’s promising striker, Benjamin Sesko, as they aim to outmanoeuvre Premier League adversaries Newcastle United in this summer’s transfer tussle.
The Slovenian international has caught the eye of both the Red Devils and the Magpies, with Leipzig allegedly demanding a hefty £65 million upfront, supplemented by add-ons and a future sale percentage.
Newcastle have earmarked Sesko as the ideal replacement for Alexander Isak, who remains a target for Premier League champions Liverpool. However, despite Liverpool tabling a whopping £110 million bid for Isak, Newcastle have rebuffed the offer, and Liverpool aren’t expected to return with an improved proposal. This potentially complicates Newcastle’s pursuit of Sesko, given their hesitance to sell Isak without a replacement lined up.
United, meanwhile, are keenly on the lookout for a new centre-forward following another challenging season for Rasmus Hojlund. While Ruben Amorim’s outfit has also shown interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, it appears the 22-year-old Sesko has become their prime focus.
An internal source, as cited by United in Focus correspondent Graeme Bailey, reveals that United have a quiet confidence they will capture Sesko’s signature, largely stemming from two key reasons. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Red Devils are reportedly pleased with how negotiations have progressed thus far. Talks with Sesko have indicated that he is unperturbed by the lack of Champions League football at Old Trafford, instead being drawn to the long-term project and the opportunity to work under Amorim.
Bailey notes that United’s communication with Sesko’s camp acknowledged the scale of the deal required, ensuring they approached the negotiations with full financial awareness. However, the Red Devils are keeping a measured approach, mindful of Newcastle’s strong case for the striker.
Even amidst the absence of Champions League action, United continues to capture interest from top talents, while Newcastle, in a state of uncertainty, works on retaining Isak by offering him a new contract.
Concurrently, United are also busy managing their outgoing transfers, with Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia reportedly available on the market.
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