MUFC have upped the ante in their attempts to sign the Slovenian. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
In the event Manchester United fail to get a deal over the line for Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins is waiting in the wings ready to lead Ruben Amorim’s frontline.
According to a new report from The Sun, the Aston Villa talisman ‘feels the time is right’ to pull the curtains on his five-year stay in the West Midlands and embark on a new venture with the 20-time champions, having been made aware of their interest last month.
Ollie Watkins and United: What’s been said so far?
Watkins had been added to United’s shortlist after they missed out on Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres, with INEOS desperate to revitalise Ruben Amorim’s misfiring attack after a campaign in which the side netted only 44 Premier League goals.
The England international posed as an ideal candidate. His track record in the English top flight (75 goals and 36 assists in 184 appearances) speaks for itself, while he also boasts a wealth of experience that could transform the current disjointed attacking contingent.
Over the last week, reports have emerged suggesting Watkins is actually Amorim’s first-choice striker target, whereas director of recruitment – and former Red Bull chief – Christopher Vivell is pushing for the club’s acquisition of Benjamin Sesko, whom he scouted for RB Salzburg when the player was just 16 years old.
INEOS prioritise Benjamin Sesko coup
As a result, United submitted their opening bid, worth a total of £73.8 million, to Leipzig on Tuesday.
They are neck and neck with Newcastle United in the race, but are of the belief that Sesko is favouring a move to Old Trafford over St. James’ Park.
Some fans have raised concerns over the 22-year-old’s suitability for the current setup, given he is being brought in as a direct replacement for Rasmus Hojlund.
Yet, Sesko’s record looks incredibly similar to that of Hojlund’s at Atalanta prior to his United switch.
Is Benjamin Sesko the RIGHT MAN to replace Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United..? 👀🔴
We’ve compared the two strikers’ stats in their last seasons before potential United moves and it’s tight… 😳
What do you think? Would Sesko’s arrival solve United’s striker problems? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zSqLp2AgCU
— Sleeper Football (@SleeperFooty) August 5, 2025
