Man United ‘finally make their move for Benjamin Sesko as they lodge first official bid’ and look to beat Newcastle to RB Leipzig striker

Manchester United have reportedly made their first offer for Benjamin Sesko as they look to beat Newcastle to the signing of the RB Leipzig striker.

According to The Athletic, the bid is worth £65million up front plus £8.6m in add-ons – but Leipzig are not yet thought to have responded to the proposal.

The development sets up an intriguing two-way fight between Premier League rivals United and Newcastle, both of whom were reportedly told that Sesko is keen to join them. As of Monday night, the Magpies were pushing hard to wrap up the deal.

Newcastle were determined to move quickly to agree terms with Leipzig after the Bundesliga club looked to negotiate the structure of an initial approach worth £70m.

Sesko had even emerged as Eddie Howe‘s top attacking target in light of Liverpool‘s £110m swoop for Alexander Isak, but interest from United remained.

It was thought last week that the Red Devils were his preferred destination, but, unlike Newcastle, United did not table an offer over the weekend. However, that stance has now shifted, placing the onus back on Sesko, who scored 21 goals last season.

Ruben Amorim is determined to sign a new frontman and Sesko has become his No 1 target

The news will come as a blow to Eddie Howe after Newcastle advanced talks over the weekend

Mail Sport previously reported that Sesko became United’s No 1 choice should they sign a new striker this summer, ahead of Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins. 

Sesko is expected to train separately from his team-mates today due to the uncertainty around his future, although a conclusion is expected soon.

Leipzig have an informal agreement in place to allow Sesko to go should they receive a suitable package from the right club, and talks were held with the Slovenian and his agent Elvis Basanovic over the weekend to discuss his next steps. 

Newcastle made contact with his camp on Sunday, but with the Premier League season kicking off a week on Saturday, the club may have to shift their attention to other targets. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos is among the names on the shortlist.

United’s interest has been fronted by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with Sesko at RB Salzburg and has described the 6ft 4in forward as having the potential to become one of the world’s top strikers.

Head coach Ruben Amorim has also made him a priority, despite having already brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to strengthen the attack.

Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, as well as a total of 39 goals and eight assists in his 87 appearances for Leipzig since joining in 2023.

Arsenal had previously registered interest before deciding to move for Viktor Gyokeres, despite Sesko emerging as their first-choice target for several weeks.

United’s substantial bid is said to be worth £65million up front plus £8.6m in add-ons

The club have swooped for Sesko despite already signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha

Speaking in Atlanta, United chief executive Omar Berrada said the club were ‘working around the clock’ to strengthen the squad before the window closes. 

‘We have to do a lot of multi-tasking,’ he said. ‘We have a team back home led by (director of football) Jason (Wilcox), the recruitment team, that is working around the clock to ensure we continue to find opportunities to strengthen our squad. 

‘There are lots of late calls and early morning meetings to make sure that we stay on top of it. What we want to do is to win and to start winning titles as soon as possible. Of course, adding players helps. 

‘We have seen the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon.’