(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Manchester United have reportedly upped the ante in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.
After several days of fans questioning whether the Red Devils would even officially enter the race for the Slovenian, they’ve now ‘presented their project and financial offer’ to him – but are vying neck and neck with Newcastle United.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed this morning that the two clubs had stepped up their efforts to convince Sesko, with the Magpies ‘pushing a lot’ to get a deal over the line. All parties are ‘currently in talks’.
Why Newcastle are particularly desperate to win race for Benjamin Seko
It’ll come as no surprise that Newcastle are really doing their utmost to sign the sought-after 22-year-old. They are now begrudgingly preparing for Alexander Isak’s prospective exit after he informed the board he wanted to explore new options this summer.
Liverpool, thought to be his first-choice suitor, have just signed off on a £65 million deal that’ll see Luis Diaz join Bayern Munich this week, giving them a timely financial boost to prepare their blockbuster proposal for Isak.
Newcastle have also suffered a series of snubs this summer, having watched primary targets Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and James Trafford all opt for moves elsewhere. Now, it’s safe to say they’re floundering to reinforce Eddie Howe’s options ahead of a campaign in which they have Champions League football to account for.
United set sights on Sesko swoop
As for United, they have had to navigate setbacks of their own: Delap was also atop their shortlist heading into the window while Viktor Gyokeres prioritised an Arsenal switch over a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Now, both clubs are awaiting Sesko’s decision. Formal offers are expected to be sent RB Leipzig’s way after a verbal agreement has been reached.
