Manchester United join race for RB Leipzig stars | OneFootball

Manchester United are already making transfer moves as they look to strengthen their squad with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons.

The Premier League giants have endured a topsy-turvy season.

Manchester United sit 14th in the Premier League but enjoyed their best result of the season in midweek, with an extra-time win vs Lyon to reach the Europa League semi-finals.

However, the squad deficits are apparent.

Manchester United lack attacking options and have been reliant on Bruno Fernandes’ 17 goal contributions and Amad Diallo’s 12 goals and assists.

Manchester United have one of the worst forward lines in the Premier League, amassing just 38 league goals.

Only five teams have fewer attacking returns.

Christopher Vivell, Director of Football at Man United, was in the stands for Leipzig’s 3-2 win at Wolfsburg to scout new attacking options.

According to Bild, Vivell was there for striker Benjamin Sesko (21) and Xavi Simons (21).

Sesko has scored 24 goals for club and country this season.

The Slovenian forward is contracted to RB Leipzig until 2029 but is drawing interest from across Europe, including Arsenal and Chelsea.

But Sesko won’t be cheap.

RB Leipzig have stuck a £86m price tag on the forward.

Xavi Simons is being closely monitored as a cheap(er) option.

RB Leipzig signed Xavi (until 2027) from Paris Saint-Germain for €50 million in the winter.

Simons has scored 12 goals for club and country this season, plus seven assists.

Whilst the Dutchman has been less prolific than Sesko in front of goal, his brace in front of Vivell would have justified his €70 million price tag.

Liverpool are also monitoring Simons but the primary issue for Manchester United is the price.

Bild report that the club can only complete these transfers if they win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League next season would bring in up to €116 million in additional revenue.

Money talks and with RB Leipzig also at risk of missing out on the Champions League, those transfer fees may come down.

RB Leipzig sit precariously in fourth in Bundesliga, with SC Freiburg and Mainz 05 closely behind.

Sesko and Simons will expect Champions League football next season and their arrival in the Premier League may just be a matter of time.

GGFN | Oscar O’Mara