Newcastle’s latest stance on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged as Manchester United advance their pursuit of the player.
United step up Sesko interest
United’s full focus is currently on signing a striker as part of their plans to bolster Ruben Amorim’s attacking options ahead of the new season.
So far this window, United have been linked to numerous talismans but the club narrowed down their options to just two names – Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. Discussions were held with the representatives of both players to try and understand the conditions of signing them.
Earlier on Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano strongly hinted that United had chosen Sesko as they opened talks with Leipzig over a potential transfer.
The reliable David Ornstein later broke the news that the Red Devils are prioritising Sesko over Watkins, amidst Villa’s unwillingness to sanction the latter’s sale.
Having missed out on a switch to Arsenal earlier this window, Sesko is understood to be keen on moving to United ahead of his other main suitors – Newcastle. The Magpies have identified the Slovenian as an ideal replacement for exit-bound goalscorer Alexander Isak.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Newcastle were preparing to table an opening bid for Sesko but it appears that they’ve had a change of heart and are slowly resigning themselves to the idea that he won’t be moving to Tyneside.
Newcastle moving on from Sesko
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle have earmarked Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz as an alternative target in the event that their pursuit of Sesko hits a brick wall.
The newspaper reveals, “Newcastle have made an informal enquiry for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz. No high-level talks have taken place, but intermediaries have been involved in discussions and a fee of £40million mooted.”
“Meanwhile, Newcastle are continuing to pursue deals for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. However, the feeling inside the club is that Sesko is likely to go to Manchester United, which would be a huge frustration given they are so keen on the Slovenian.”
“That, though, could potentially pave the way for a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is on Newcastle’s shortlist. So is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, but several others are ahead of him at present.”
Sesko notched 13 goals and provided an additional five assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances last term. He managed 21 goals in 45 games across all competitions.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
