Benjamin Sesko makes decision after Man United offer – David Ornstein | OneFootball

Manchester United are “closing in on [a] deal” for Benjamin Sesko with the RB Leizpig striker signalling his desire to join the Red Devils, according to David Ornstein.

Manchester or Newcastle

Manchester United have been joined in the hunt for Sesko by Newcastle United with the two Premier League rival opening a bidding war this week for the 22-year-old frontman.

As per David Ornstein, both clubs have tabled proposals to Leipzig worth a similar amount – €85 million – but Newcastle’s bid includes a higher up front fee, €82.5m plus €2.5m in add-ons, while United’s comprises €75m up front with €10m in add-ons.

Tweet: “Manchester United closing in on deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. #RBLeipzig accepted €82.5m + €2.5m bid from Newcastle United but 22yo striker wants #MUFC. No club-to-club agreement yet but talks advancing towards conclusion @TheAthleticFC.”

However, crucially, Sesko is prioritising a move to Old Trafford over St James’ Park, despite Leipzig accepting Newcastle’s offer, Ornstein reveals.

“Newcastle initially tabled €75million plus €5m in add-ons, before raising that on Monday to at least €80m.

“Within 24 hours, Manchester United made a proposal of their own worth €75m plus €10m. Newcastle have continued working to secure the transfer and on Tuesday a bid of €82.5m plus €2.5m was accepted by Leipzig.

“But Sesko wants to join Manchester United and all parties are now aware of that, as talks advance in an effort to satisfy Leipzig’s expectations. While there is no club-to-club agreement yet, the situation is moving in that direction.

“The Slovenia forward’s preference comes despite Newcastle’s readiness to pay a higher fee and provide Champions League football. Sesko’s decision appears to have swung the situation in their direction.”

United’s New Number Nine

United have been on the hunt for a new number nine all summer with a failed pursuit of Liam Delap, who joined Chelsea instead, buttressed by Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike, two alternative targets, signing for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively.

This led the Red Devils to narrow their focus to two remaining options: Sesko or Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins.

But it was the 22-year-old Slovenia international who emerged as United’s priority with the club moving quickly to begin negotiations.

Ornstein now describes United as “closing on a deal” for Sesko, despite Leipzig having yet to accept their offer, which suggests confidence at Old Trafford that the Slovenian’s desire to wear the Red shirt will be sufficient to convince his current employers to sanction a move.

If Sesko arrives to join Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo it will constitute a dramatic overhaul of an area of Ruben Amorim’s side the Portuguese coach had identified as its biggest weakness.

Goals win football matches – and Amorim increasingly looks like he will have three new forwards to deploy for the opening day fixture against Arsenal at the Theatre of Dreams in two weeks time.

Featured image Maja Hitij via Getty Images

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