Benjamin Sesko: RB Leipzig forward prefers Man Utd bid to Newcastle approach
Manchester United are advancing in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Benjamin Sesko, after making an offer worth an initial £65m plus £8.9m in add-ons.
Sky Sports News understands there is now a growing feeling Sesko wants to join Manchester United over rival bidders Newcastle.
There is no full agreement yet, but discussions are heading in a positive direction.
Newcastle have also been working on a deal for Sesko, and earlier on Tuesday made a second bid of £69.7m plus add-ons, which was higher than Manchester United’s – after an initial offer of just under £70m (€80m) plus add-ons.
However, Manchester United have moved their base fee closer to £69.6m (€80m), plus possible add-ons, in talks with Leipzig, Sky Germany report.
The structure of the offer is still being discussed, so Leipzig have not yet accepted Manchester United’s current bid.
Sky Germany believes it would need further improvement, while Newcastle’s offer of a guaranteed of £69.6m (€80m), plus add-ons, meets the requirements.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with either club – but there is a growing feeling that Sesko wants to go to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old was absent from RB Leipzig’s pre-season friendly loss to Atalanta on Saturday due to his expected departure from the club. The striker, who has told his team-mates that he will be leaving, trained indoors away from the team at Leipzig’s training complex on Tuesday.
Sesko has a great relationship with RB Leipzig and is being totally respectful to them. He wants to ensure if he leaves, he does so on good terms. He is ready to fly to the UK once an agreement is struck.
Manchester United’s bid for Sesko could have ramifications for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Newcastle will only let Isak leave St James’ Park if they can bring in a ready-made replacement.
Liverpool had a bid of £110m plus add-ons rejected by the Magpies.
Newcastle are also interested in Yoane Wissa, who was not part of Brentford’s squad for their friendly against QPR on Saturday as he pushes for a move.