‘Preferred option’ - David Ornstein drops Newcastle United bombshell with Benjamin Sesko update
Newcastle United are now facing stiff competition to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester United are set to swoop for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid reported Newcastle United interest.
It is no secret that the Magpies have been chasing the Slovenian international. Newcastle presented their blueprint to Sesko last week but talk about a potential St James’ Park switch has gone quiet.
The 22-year-old emerged as the No.1 target to replace Alexander Isak should the wantaway striker leave. An impressive 39 goals in two seasons - despite his tender age - has placed Sesko among Europe’s best attacking prospects.
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Benjamin Sesko’s £65m price tag
Sources have reported varying figures on the price tag but somewhere in the region of £65million is plausible. For context, that would break Newcastle’s club-record fee paid to Real Sociedad when Alexander Isak joined in 2022.
Funds are available on Tyneside after sailing through several PSR storms in recent years. The Magpies failed with a £70million bid to sign Hugo Ekitike before he joined Liverpool.
Newcastle’s problem has been convincing players to join the Saudi-backed project. As well as Ekitike, Dean Huijsen, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and James Trafford have snubbed big-money moves to St James’ Park.
Manchester United enter the race
David Ornstein of The Athletic now claims Man United have made Sesko their top striker option. Ollie Watkins was previously considered, with Red Devils chiefs moving for the younger player.
Man United’s biggest hurdle will now be working out how to fund a deal due to their PSR issues. Several high-earning stars with no apparent future under Ruben Amorim are yet to leave Old Trafford.
NewcastleWorld understands Toon bosses are already fearing the worst internally about Sesko’s next move. Should he not join, the knock-on effect could impact any potential Isak sale to Liverpool.
Benjamin Sesko wants ‘special’ transfer
Speaking earlier this summer, his agent, Elvis Basanovic, insisted he would consider leaving for the right project. He said: “It’s not correct to speak about the names of clubs that are interested in Sesko but maybe it is right to clarify a few things. Let me tell you: Sesko is not competing with anyone. It’s him vs him every day.
“We have a clear plan for the future and media speculation doesn’t affect us. His numbers at his age are comparable to those of some strikers with already great careers. That confirms my words. He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club. A special project with a special coach.”
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