Man Utd's private Benjamin Sesko admission speaks volumes after making first bid

Manchester United and Newcastle are both hoping to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer and the Red Devils believe that the 22-year-old would prefer to join them

Manchester United are reportedly confident that Benjamin Sesko wants to make the move to Old Trafford after they submitted a £73.8million bid for the RB Leipzig star. Sesko is at the centre of a transfer battle between the Red Devils and Newcastle, with both clubs desperate to sign the striker.

Newcastle had their opening bid for Sesko rejected, but have since made an improved offer worth around £78m. The offer from Manchester is worth £65.2m up front plus £8.6m in add-ons, while Newcastle are willing to pay an initial £69.5m plus £8.6m in add-ons.

However, the Athletic are reporting that Ruben Amorim & Co.'s offer reflects their valuation of Sesko and their belief that he wants to join them over Newcastle. The Red Devils have moved to address their attacking woes this summer, having managed to score just 44 Premier League goals last season.

In fact, only Everton and the three relegated clubs scored less league goals than Amorim's side. They have already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who netted 35 league goals between them last season.

However, United captain Bruno Fernandes has demanded more signings after their 2-2 draw with Everton in pre-season. "It’s improving, but it’s not where we want it to be," Fernandes said after the game.

"It’s a game of football, there’s always passion there. Whatever happens, happens. There was nothing spicy there, it’s normal, it is part of the game. It’s been positive [the US tour] and it’s good to create a bond with the players. We looked a bit lazy today and we need to change that.

"I don’t want to have a dig at anyone, but I think the club is doing the best they can in terms of all the financial situations they talk about. I don’t know about it, I’m not involved in that. But obviously it was crystal clear we needed more competition for the players that were here.

"We needed more quality to get everyone to step up a bit more and to have more to do to get into the starting line-up. I think that’s what the club and the manager are trying to do and hopefully we can get one or two players more to help with that."

And Amorim agrees with Fernandes' verdict, stating: "I'm happy for the players to have that feeling. It's saying that they understand the situation. So it's a good feeling.

"It's understanding that in this club, everything is ups and downs. We understand that, but I prefer that feeling [the ups] than the other side."