The latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours amid their pursuit to sign Benjamin Sesko.
Isaac is a senior NCTJ-trained journalist with an MA in News Journalism. He has experience of working for national and regional news organisations including the Express, the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo. He currently covers sport across all regional sites at Reach PLC.
Man Utd continue to pursue a transfer for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Manchester United put on an impressive performance against AFC Bournemouth in their most recent pre-season outing – securing a 4-1 victory in Chicago.
Rasmus Hojlund initiated that goal fest – with Patrick Dorgu, Amad and Ethan Williams also finding the back of the net. The only tarnish on the display was an own goal from Matthijs de Ligt, but that did little to dampen the mood after such a display.
In transfer news, United’s main focus for the summer window has now turned to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The club are intensifying their chase for the Slovenia frontman having realised that pursuing Ollie Watkins would likely be fruitless.
Below are some of the latest United headlines, as well as a view on each one;
Newcastle ‘decision’
The Daily Mail report that Newcastle are turning to Watkins and Brentford star Yoane Wissa amid United’s pursuit of Sesko. The Magpies have been interested in the Slovenian, but United’s interest in the player looks to have seen Newcastle turn to other targets.
It comes amid Alexander Isak’s unsettled situation at St James’ Park. Liverpool submitted an opening bid in excess of £100million for the Swede, which has been rejected.
Isaac Seelochan from The Manchester Evening News says: “While Newcastle looking at Watkins and Wissa doesn’t necessarily mean they are no longer pursuing a move for Sesko, it indicates that they might be accepting he won’t be joining them over United.
“It would represent another blow for the North East club who have already missed out on several big targets this summer. United, meanwhile, will be looking at an impressive window if they can snap-up Sesko, a new midfielder and a goalkeeper before it shuts on September 1. All of that will depend on sales, though.”
Sesko verdict delivered
Director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, worked alongside a young Sesko during his time at RB Salzburg and the Slovenia international clearly made an instant impression. In his analysis of the 22-year-old, Vivell claimed Sesko has all the attributes to become one of the world’s leading players.
“Benjamin Sesko is among the game’s top young talents – and has enormous potential to become a top player,” Vivell said, per Bundesliga.com. He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air.
“Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6ft 4in height) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”
Isaac Seelochan from The Manchester Evening News says: “Sesko certainly has all the physical characteristics to succeed in the Premier League. The question would be whether he could handle that pressure of being United’s No.9 – something which has held back many players before him.”
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