Newcastle's true feelings on Man Utd's Sesko move as new target eyed

Manchester United and Newcastle were both previously interested in a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko with the Red Devils now seemingly in the driving seat for the forward

Benjamin Sesko looks set to sign for Manchester United with Newcastle chiefs having alreadyadmitted defeat in their pursuit. The Red Devils and the Magpies are both interested in adding a striker to their squads this summer.

RB Leipzig star Sesko has emerged as an outstanding candidate for both sides, with his future now looking uncertain in Germany. Newcastle want him as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, who has requested to leave St James’ Park amid interest from Liverpool.

But their pursuit of Sesko might have been abandoned already, with Newcastle chiefs believing he is primed for Old Trafford. According to Mail Online, Eddie Howe’s side are now turning their attention to Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

No high-level talks have taken place between the two clubs but an informal enquiry has been lodged by Newcastle, while intermediaries have spoken. It is thought that a fee of around £40m would be enough to get a deal done.

Muniz, 24, is a Brazilian international and joined Fulham from Flamengo in 2021. He has scored 21 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons.

Muniz however is not the only striker that Newcastle are considering as an alternative. They are also interested in fellow Red Devils target Ollie Watkins, while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is also on their shortlist.

A lot depends on the future of wantaway forward Isak, with Howe recently confirming that a move away from the club is not imminent. He said: "He is still our player. He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.

"I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year."

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Elsewhere, United boss Ruben Amorim has explained the approach he will take to new signings - including Sesko. He said: “They have to want to come here. I think what we can do to the fans is that we want players who have proved [themselves] already.

“Sometimes you have a player with a lot of potential, you have to be aware of that, but all the players that are coming, we need to know the player. We need to talk to the player, we have to explain the project.

“And then one really important thing is that they want to come here. That is the key point. If during the market we can find someone that can help the team and have all that boxes with them, we are going to do it. If not, we cannot do it because it's an important time in our club.”