Fabrizio Romano sheds some light on the fast-developing tug-of-war between Manchester United and Newcastle United who are battling it out for Benjamin Sesko.
With few options remaining on the market, both clubs have identified the RB Leipzig star as their main target for the striker role.
The Red Devils have been searching the market for an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, but found no joy in their pursuit of Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres amongst others, while the Magpies are suddenly scrambling on the market as Alexander Isak is pushing to join Liverpool.
Therefore, the two Premier League rivals have found themselves on a collision course for Sesko, who is reportedly open to joining either club.
Newcastle try to overtake Man United with £70m bid for Benjamin Sesko
On Saturday morning, several reputable sources revealed that Newcastle launched an offer worth £70 million for Sesko, while other reports went as far as to claim that the St. James Park outfit is now closing in on an agreement with the Bundesliga club and the player’s entourage.
Nevertheless, Fabrizio Romano pours cold water on these stories. In the latest video update posted on his official YouTube channel, the Italian journalist confirms that Newcastle have indeed submitted a concrete offer, but they have yet to receive the green light from the striker who is biding his time before making what should be a crucial decision in his playing career.
Why Man Utd still have hope in Sesko battle
Romano believes that Sesko won’t drag this saga until the final days of the summer transfer window, but will communicate his decision ‘as soon as possible’.
Moreover, the transfer market expert insists that Man Utd remain very much in the race, even though Newcastle appear to have the upper hand thanks to their superior financial situation and ability to instantly finalise the deal. The Reds remain in contact with both Leipzig and Sesko, notes Romano.
MUFC must now offload Ruben Amorim’s outcasts (Sancho, Garnacho, Malacia and Antony), also known as the ‘Bomb Squad’, in order to raise funds for this operation. However, the Manchester Evening News senior journalist Samuel Luckhurst argues that United already have the required resources to launch an onslaught.
