No offers have yet been made, however, talks over a potential deal for Benjamin Sesko continue as United look to persuade the 22-year old that Old Trafford is the place to be and not St James’ Park. Newcastle United’s struggles in the transfer market continue with the Slovenian said to prefer a move to the Red Devils. What this also does is mean that Alexander Isak isn’t going anywhere, for now.
Posting on X, Ben Jacobs, a senior football correspondent for GiveMeSport, has claimed that Sesko has already sounded out players at United to help him make a decision. Arsenal were close to signing their long-term target only to lurch for Viktor Gyokeres at the last minute. Mikel Arteta’s loss could be Ruben Amorim’s gain as Jacobs explained on Talksport:
“The move for Sesko being driven by Red Devils head of recruitment Christopher Viviell. Chief negotiator Matt Hargreaves arrived a few days ago with United aware they have to move fast with Newcastle also pushing for Sesko’s signature. Talks are also ongoing on the player side now, as United step up their pursuit of a new No.9.
“Leipzig quoted Arsenal a price in excess of €80m for Sesko earlier in the window with sporting director Andrea Berta unable to drive the price down. But both Newcastle and Manchester United believe a transfer could be possible for closer to €70m (£60.6m). United have started pre-season positively with two good wins and a draw, perhaps even more important though, is that they are starting to look like a well-organised and fluent football team.”
The other name on United’s shopping list is Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa. The 29-year old would be cheaper and less of a gamble in terms of whether or not he could adapt to his surroundings and he is also reported by Jacobs to be the preferred option of Amorim. Gone are the days when Sir Alex Ferguson would tell the club who he wanted to sign and the United boss might have to work with what he is given.
It isn’t that he would be upset or angry to be given Sesko, however, if he wants Watkins, the club should listen to him. The England international is probably closer in profile to Gyokeres than any other striker on the market at the moment and his success at Sporting Lisbon suggests that he is the right type of forward for the Portuguese boss’ system.
The deciding factor might well be a financial one because either striker would be welcomed by fans in terms of being an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, despite appearing to have improved his game over the summer. Wages won’t be a problem or on the same scale as individuals like Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho, all they need to do now is decide who they want and make an offer.
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