The very latest Man Utd transfer news as they continue to work on a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Benjamin Sesko missed RB Leipzig’s latest friendly amid transfer interest. (Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
RB Leipzig manager Marcel Schafer has confirmed that Manchester United target, Benjamin Sesko, was omitted from Saturday’s friendly against Atalanta due to interest from several clubs.
As The Manchester Evening News understands, United have opened talks with their counterparts at Leipzig over Sesko’s possible transfer. The 22-year-old is now the top striker target for Ruben Amorim and a deal could stretch to £79million with various add-ons.
They also face strong competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United – who have reportedly lodged a £65.5million offer themselves for Sesko on Saturday.
Hours later, Sesko was not named in the squad for his current club’s latest pre-season friendly match and now his manager Schafer has told media in Germany the absence was transfer related.
Via BILD, he said: “In Benji’s case, several clubs have shown concrete interest and, based on the overall situation, we have decided that he will not play today.
“But, I would like to emphasise this clearly; That does not mean that he will not play next week either.”
United will, therefore, be on high alert as the saga between themselves, Newcastle and now apparently “several” rivals reaches a decisive stage.
Sesko has not personally addressed the subject matter of a Premier League move himself, therefore it is thought that whoever can offer the Slovenia International the most complete package will win the race.
The same German publication explained in a previous report how Sesko – amid the transfer uncertainty – showed his face at the Red Bull Arena for his team’s 2-1 defeat to Italian opposition.
He was spotted in a VIP section of the stands alongside partner – Anita – while it was also claimed his agent, Elvis Basanovic, was also in the stadium to negotiate directly with Leipzig chiefs.
Balsanovic has commented on a future move for his client back in 2022, saying: “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,” Basanovic said. “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 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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