Talks go on into the night as United try to strike a deal for Europe’s most coveted striker – reports

Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker goes on as they turn their attention to Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko pursuit

Earlier in the week it was reported that United had narrowed down their striker search to Ollie Watkins and Sesko.

It was then revealed on Wednesday that the Red Devils had made their choice to pursue the Slovenian Sesko.

Newcastle United are also heavily interested in the striker and made a bid yesterday of €75 million plus €5 million to secure his services.

There were also worrying reports from Slovenia that Sesko had chosen to join Newcastle but this has since been refuted.

United still Sesko’s preferred choice

Norwegian journalist Jan Aage Fjørtoft has stated that despite rumours, United are still Sesko’s number one option.

He added in a post on X, it is “understandable that Team Šeško wants more time before making a final decision on where he’ll play next season, especially with the new bid already in / more to follow.
However it’s also fact that the player has expressed his desire to join Manchester United, before these latest developments.”

Understandable that Team Šeško wants more time before making a final decision on where he’ll play next season, especially with the new bid already in / more to follow.
However it’s also fact that the player has expressed his desire to join Manchester United, before these latest…— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) August 2, 2025

Newcastle bid rejected

In more good news for United fans yesterday, Ben Jacobs reported that Newcastle’s opening bid had been rejected by the Bundesliga club.

He stated, “Leipzig have rejected Newcastle’s €75m+€5m bid for Benjamin Sesko. €75m fixed fee met their quoted valuation, but overall package not deemed acceptable in terms of both total and structure.”

Jacobs also reported that “Manchester United yet to bid, but remain in the race having held club-to-club and player talks. Leipzig hoping, and some sources say waiting, for a United offer to create competitive tension.”

It was also stated that Sesko has still not communicated to either club which he prefers to join.

Leipzig have rejected Newcastle’s €75m+€5m bid for Benjamin Sesko.

€75m fixed fee met their quoted valuation, but overall package not deemed acceptable in terms of both total and structure.

Leipzig not yet dropping their demands from when Arsenal were working on the transfer… pic.twitter.com/oP32MMFfVr

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 2, 2025

United to get in on the action soon

Finally, it was reported late last night by Sky Sports News that “talks are continuing tonight over the structure of a potential deal for Benjamin Sesko between Newcastle and RB Leipzig after the Premier League club submitted a bid, with Manchester United also in discussions this evening.”

Talks are continuing tonight over the structure of a potential deal for Benjamin Sesko between Newcastle and RB Leipzig after the Premier League club submitted a bid, with Manchester United also in discussions this evening 💼 pic.twitter.com/fqP3OpTsrB

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 2, 2025

Fabrizio Romano has stated that the Red Devils will only bid for the striker if they get the green light on the player’s side to do a deal.

Featured image Maja Hitij via Getty Images

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