‘He’s going to end up at Newcastle’ – Man United tipped to lose £80m signing race
Newcastle United have been tipped to beat Manchester United to a big signing before the end of the summer.
It has been a difficult window for the Magpies so far, missing out on some of their top transfer targets like James Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro.
To make matters worse, star striker Alexander Isak has now asked to leave the club, following interest from Premier League champions Liverpool.
In terms of incomings, Newcastle are one of the sides in the race for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, along with Man United.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes the Magpies have a better chance of securing the 22-year-old than Ruben Amorim’s side.
‘Sesko could shine at Newcastle, he won’t at Man United’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Newcastle are more likely to land Sesko, especially if Isak departs, as they will have the funds to complete a deal.
Football Insider have revealed that despite confirming the sale of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, Man United still need to sell some of their unwanted stars before they can go back into the transfer market.
Wyness added that a move to St James’ Park would be better for Sesko’s career, as Old Trafford is an unhappy place right now.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, if you put a gun to my head, I think he’s going to end up in Newcastle. That’s where I think he’s going to go.
“I know United are making a big bid for it, but this whole transfer strategy that we’re seeing at United leaves me concerned about them.
“Sesko is only 22, a good age, and therefore is worth more money. They’re talking about the £80m, £90m, £100m mark for Sesko, and we’ve seen Ekitike go for the £79m, so yes, we’re going to see that sort of level.
“Now, Ollie Watkins is probably going to be another one that will be mentioned with this, but I think Sesko will end up at Newcastle because if Isak goes, there’ll be the money there to be able to satisfy that demand, and I think he’ll be another asset for Newcastle.
“From his point of view, he’s much better served going to Newcastle and working with Eddie Howe than he is going with Amorim at United, in terms of the redevelopment project that Amorim’s trying to work.
“I just think it’s an unhappy place at the moment, Old Trafford, and for a 22-year-old to shine, he’d be very well served for his career if he went to Newcastle.”
‘Newcastle add England international to striker shortlist’
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly added Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to their list of transfer targets in the final month of the transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Villa scout Mick Brown, who claims that the 29-year-old is among a number of options who could replace Isak.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 July that Aston Villa are open to offers for Watkins and have been surprised by the lack of interest this summer.
Tottenham and Man United have also been keeping tabs on the England international’s situation at Villa Park, but have not made concerted moves.
For more Newcastle United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.