Manchester United have reportedly moved another step closer to signing RB Lepizig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Per The Athletic, the Bundesliga outfit have accepted a bid of £72million from Newcastle – but the 22-year-old’s preference is said to be a move to Old Trafford.
While the Magpies remain in the hunt for the forward as they look to secure a replacement for their wantaway star Alexander Isak, there is a feeling that United would not have made an official approach if they had not received encouragement from the player’s camp.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United’s confidence in completing a deal has only grown ‘stronger’ following the submission of their bid and the club are of the belief that Sesko only has eyes for Old Trafford.
Furthermore, he claims that the club have forwarded an official contract proposal to the player while they ‘keep negotiating’ with Leipzig.
They have yet to respond to United’s bid, but Sesko will make the final decision over his future and is now considering his options with the club and his representatives.
Manchester United are increasingly confident of beating Newcastle to the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko
The Red Devils finally made their interest in the Slovenian striker concrete on Tuesday, with a £73.8million bid
The bid is slightly less than the improved offer worth a total of £78.2m that rivals Newcastle tabled on Monday night
United remained in the background while Newcastle made two attempts to strike a deal for the 22-year-old before officially entering the bidding on Tuesday, although sources are remaining tight-lipped over the move.
They hope that Sesko’s preference to move to Old Trafford will tip the balance in their favour even though the current offer appears to be marginally smaller. United chiefs believe their price matches the player’s market value.
On Tuesday, bookmakers Betfair suspended all bets for the Slovenian to move to Manchester United or Newcastle.
Sam Rosbottom, a spokesperson from the bookies, has said: ‘Having been odds-on 8/15 favourites to sign Benjamin Sesko on Monday, betting is now suspended for Man United to seal a deal for the 22-year-old Slovenian.
‘United have already secured deals for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to boost their attacking ranks this summer. With his future looking unlikely, Rasmus Hojlund is 3/10 to join RB Leipzig, heading in the opposite direction to Sesko.’
United have been keen to sign a centre-forward this summer after seeing No.1 target Liam Delap opt for Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres go to Liverpool and Arsenal.
United have been keen to sign a centre-forward this summer following the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo (left) and Matheus Cunha (right)
Newcastle, meanwhile, want Sesko to replace Alexander Isak who is intent on joining Liverpool
They have already spent more than £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to support a new centre-forward, with Rasmus Hojlund set to leave if a new signing comes in.
Newcastle, meanwhile, want Sesko to replace Isak who is intent on joining Liverpool. The Merseysiders have already had a £110m bid for Isak rejected and are unlikely to return with a better offer until Newcastle have a new striker in place.
Mail Sport previously reported that Sesko became United’s No 1 choice should they sign a new striker this summer, ahead of Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.
Leipzig have an informal agreement in place to allow Sesko to go should they receive a suitable package from the right club, and talks were held with the Slovenian and his agent Elvis Basanovic over the weekend to discuss his next steps.
