Man United set for £100m+ blow after Benjamin Sesko latest
Manchester United are set for a £100million-plus blow as an update has emerged on Benjamin Sesko’s potential move to Old Trafford.
The Slovenia international has been linked with several top clubs following his impressive campaign for RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old, who is under contract until 2029, registered 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances last season.
Newcastle United have been pushing hard to sign Sesko as they look to find a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, who has emerged as a target for Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s side made an improved offer worth a fixed £69.5million fee for the striker after their initial £65.3million bid plus £4.4million in add-ons was rejected.
Man United are looking to sign a new striker following their struggles in front of goal last season, with Sesko now emerging as their top target.
The Leipzig star is believed to be in favour of a move to Old Trafford after holding talks with both clubs.
Man United plan to sell Rasmus Hojlund
Man United have now moved to sign Sesko after making Leipzig an offer worth around £74million, including add-ons.
It comes after Ruben Amorim’s side have spent in the region of £133million on signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer.
However, it’s no secret Old Trafford chiefs are looking to move several out-of-favour stars on over the coming weeks.
Marcus Rashford is so far the only senior player to leave after joining Barcelona on loan, with the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho on their for-sale list.
Man United are also planning to sell Rasmus Hojlund if they can get a deal over the line for Sesko or an alternative centre-forward option before the window closes on 1 September.
Man United accelerate Saudi sale plan
If Man United complete the Sesko deal before moving any other players on, that could weaken their negotiating position as clubs will know they need to sell.
Hojlund joined the 20-time English champions for £72million from Atalanta two years ago, but it’s understood they would consider a £30million bid to offload him.
Meanwhile, Antony made the move to Old Trafford in 2022 for £86million from Ajax, with his value now believed to have also dropped to around £30million.
Sancho looks set to be another deal where Man United will take a big hit, having signed from Borussia Dortmund for £73million four years ago.
Chelsea decided against signing the 25-year-old winger permanently for £25million this summer after he spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge.
Widespread reports have now revealed Man United are willing to sell him for just £17million as they look to get his £300,000-a-week wages off the books.
If those players do eventually move on for their reported asking prices, it means the Manchester giants will be on course to make well over £100million less in transfer fees than what they originally paid for the trio of failed signings.
Football Insider revealed on 30 July Man United are looking to sell players to Saudi this summer, but they have so far been unable to agree any deals.
The Saudi Pro League is viewed as a more favourable destination for sales as the clubs are typically willing to pay higher transfer fees and offer significant wage packages.
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