Manchester United have a long-standing interest in Benjamin Sesko and need a new striker this summer transfer window after missing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea.
RB Leipzig have named Benjamin Sesko in the squad for their first pre-season friendly(Image: Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko is in the RB Leipzig squad for their first pre-season friendly despite ongoing transfer speculation regarding his future at the German club.
ZFC Meuselwitz are hosting the Bundesliga club this afternoon in a match to raise funds for an expansion of the fourth-tier team’s facilities. Sesko is one of four forwards listed in their squad, alongside Lois Openda, plus summer signings Johan Bakayoko and Yan Diomande.
Despite several senior players not being in Thuringia for the game, the Slovenia international is in the squad. Andre Silva, Eljif Elmas, Kevin Kampl, Maarten Vandevoordt, Peter Gulasci and Timo Werner are all acknowledged as absent by the club without them providing reasons.
A lack of training and load management are two such explanations Leipzig have given for Andrija Maksimovic and Amadou Haidara not being in the squad. Sesko, however, will be there despite significant speculation about the player’s future this summer.
Arsenal are said to have held talks with Leipzig over Sesko since last season ended. He appeared to be their primary target, but after failing to agree on a deal, they seemingly now want Viktor Gyokeres.
Manchester United have also previously tried and failed to sign Sesko. The player turned them down before joining Leipzig three years ago.
However, his agent, Elvis Basanovic, has reportedly since paid multiple visits to Carrington and Old Trafford. That long-term interest has led to renewed links about a move finally materialising this month.
Sky Sports have said Sesko is one to ‘keep an eye on’ for United. GiveMeSport also claims the striker wants a move to United.
However, it remains unclear how they could afford to deal with Leipzig. They reputedly were unwilling to negotiate on price with Arsenal, which is why they are now going for Gyokeres, so spreading the cost over several more manageable payments, as they have to acquire Matheus Cunha, seems unlikely.
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