Manchester United are finally closing in on their dream striker signing this summer after months of chasing multiple targets.
Liam Delap opted to choose Chelsea over the Red Devils despite Jason Wilcox pushing for him. Ruben Amorim also faced heartbreak when his Sporting CP protege Viktor Gyokeres signed for Arsenal.
The final list was whittled down to two options — Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins. Christopher Vivell pushed for the Slovenian while Amorim was in favour of a Premier League-proven performer.
The race for the 22-year-old was not expected to be easy with Newcastle also chasing his signature. The Magpies struck first, as they submitted two bids in quick succession.
Newcastle tried hard for Sesko
They were aware that they needed to wrap the deal up before INEOS’ entry but the RB Leipzig striker held on till United’s entry.
As relayed by The Peoples Person, United finally submitted their opening offer in the region of €85 million, which was €5 million short of Newcastle’s offer.
But the Slovenia international favours a move to Old Trafford over St James’ Park and despite agreeing personal terms with Eddie Howe’s side, it seems he has chosen United as his next club.
As per Talksport, Newcastle have finally admitted defeat in the race, and are ready to move on to other targets.
“Newcastle are resigned to Benjamin Sesko choosing Manchester United over them and are ready to move on to other targets, talkSPORT understands.
Magpies finally forced to accept defeat
“Manchester United are in advanced talks over a move for Sesko after tabling an offer of €75m [£65.1m] plus €10m [£8.7m] in add-ons.
“Leipzig were willing to accept Newcastle’s club-record offer worth a guaranteed £70m, but Sesko was holding out for a move to Old Trafford. The Slovenian has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils.”
Newcastle have not had the best of windows, losing to United in three separate transfer battles — first for Matheus Cunha, then for Bryan Mbeumo and now, Sesko.
United fans will be hoping the deal can be signed and sealed before the start of the new season.
Feature image Maja Hitij via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
