Sesko transfer chase takes fresh twists as Man Utd and Newcastle battle

Manchester United have RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko right at the top of their shortlist for a new striker but are facing serious competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United

Manchester United may have fallen behind in the race for Benjamin Sesko with Newcastle battling for the striker. The Red Devils have the RB Leipzig forward right at the top of their shortlist as they aim to add a new striker.

Talks are already underway between United and the Bundesliga club, albeit they are at an early stage. Ruben Amorim’s side are facing competition for his services though, with Newcastle also eyeing Sesko as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak.

As it stands, the Swedish forward looks unlikely to leave St James’ Park after Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s opening bid. And that would hint that they no longer need Sesko.

But reports from the frontman’s homeland of Slovenia suggest otherwise. According to Delo, Sesko has already chosen to join Newcastle instead of Manchester United this summer.

At the time of writing, there is no agreement between the Magpies and Leipzig, which could give United some late hope. As it stands, Mirror Football understands a deal is far from done and both teams are still in the race for Sesko’s services despite his apparent preference.

But should he choose Newcastle it would be another fresh blow to United and their hopes of signing a striker having already seen former target Viktor Gyokeres move to Arsenal. Sesko, 22, scored 21 goals for Leipzig last season.

United star Patrick Dorgu has already given his verdict on the Red Devils’ pursuit of a striker but claimed he still has faith in misfiring teammate Rasmus Hojlund. He said: “He's doing really well. He looks sharp, he looks fit and I'm very happy for Rasmus to get his goal.

“It was a difficult season for Rasmus. Not only for him, but for everyone, so I think this season is really important for him and for the team to get back to where we have to be in the league.

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“We need a striker to deliver on the pitch, so that's why he was happy. We talk in training, we try to understand each other on the pitch, for me to know where he is in the box and what movements he likes. He needs confidence, everyone needs confidence and a goal always helps with that.”

Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim has also taken a hard-line stance on any United signings, claiming that they must want to become a Red Devil. 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.”