Sesko's reluctant Man Utd transfer decision prompted agreement from Gary Neville

Benjamin Sesko is nearing a move to Manchester United this summer, but it was only last year that the RB Leipzig striker opted to stay in Germany amid interest from the Red Devils

Benjamin Sesko's decision to ignore Manchester United's interest in favour of staying at RB Leipzig was deemed the correct one by Gary Neville. The 22-year-old joined the Bundesliga side in 2023 and made an instant impact, scoring 18 goals in all competitions in his first season.

His impressive performances saw him subject to interest from the Premier League giants as well as Arsenal last summer. But the Slovenia international opted to remain in Germany and ended up signing a new deal.

While there were reports that a gentleman's agreement existed between Sesko's camp and the club that would allow him to leave this year for a reasonable fee, his contract tied him down in Leipzig until 2029.

Following his debut campaign in the Bundesliga, Sesko - who is nearing a move to Old Trafford this month - was in action at Euro 2024, and it was Neville who was on punditry duty for Slovenia's 1-1 draw with Denmark.

The Manchester United legend discussed the forward's ability and admitted that his decision to stay in Germany, which was not confirmed at the time, was best for his personal development as a footballer.

"[He's got] goals, youth and physically," the ex-England defender said on ITV. "I think we are moving back to having a big physical striker up front, the game seems to have flipped a little bit by having big defenders and big strikers.

"He is someone who has so much potential and you can see why Premier League clubs are interested. But I can also see why, what is being suggested, he is staying at Leipzig for another year.

"It will give him the chance to grow without the spotlight you get on you in the Premier League and just develop his game a little bit more," Neville added. While United could have done with Sesko's talents in what was a dismal campaign last season, the striker enjoyed another fruitful season with Leipzig, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and contributing six assists.

The added experience Sesko's collected from leading the line for a European club in a top-five league and the Champions League may benefit United even more this season.

The 6'5" ace looked to be closing in on a transfer to Newcastle after the Magpies bid £72million plus £2.1m for his services, but he made clear his intention to join Ruben Amorim's side after their bid of £65m plus £8m was tabled, according to The Athletic.

Sesko's insistence on signing for United has been relayed to all parties involved in the deal. Newcastle have now been left rueing another failed transfer as they look to reinforce their attacking reinforcements amid Alexander Isak's uncertain future following a rejected bid from Liverpool.