Man Utd Confident on Sesko Signing Over Newcastle

Red Devils Eye RB Leipzig Star Amid Striker Search

Manchester United reportedly feel they hold an edge in the race to sign RB Leipzig forward **Benjamin Sesko**, despite competition from Newcastle United.

Striker Shortlist Revealed

The Old Trafford club has reportedly narrowed its striking options down to two primary targets: **Benjamin Sesko** and Aston Villa’s **Ollie Watkins**. This follows earlier pursuits that failed to materialise, including moves for **Liam Delap** and **Viktor Gyokeres**.

United are seeking an upgrade on **Rasmus Hojlund** and **Joshua Zirkzee**, who combined for just seven Premier League goals in the 2024/25 season. The club has already secured new signings **Bryan Mbeumo**, **Matheus Cunha**, and **Diego Leon** earlier in the summer window.

INEOS’ Preferred Targets

A report from *The Athletic* detailed that **Sesko** and **Watkins** have emerged as the ‘most viable’ options for the Red Devils. While initial talks have taken place for both players, United are wary of the significant transfer fees demanded by Leipzig and Villa.

“Manchester United have narrowed their striker search down to two names — Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko. They had been exploring a deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, but have ruled out a move due to the cost. United had held back from Sesko due to the finances required, but talks have now taken place to establish some details around a potential move. The same has occurred for a Watkins deal.”

United’s Advantage Over Newcastle

Despite the financial concerns and Newcastle’s interest, United are said to be optimistic about their chances of securing **Sesko**. The belief within Old Trafford is that the Slovenian international would favour a move to Manchester United over a switch to St James’ Park.

For **Ollie Watkins**, Aston Villa are firm in their stance that the England international is not for sale. However, United believe a sufficiently attractive offer could sway Villa’s decision. The club is understood to be targeting a fee closer to £45 million for **Watkins**, potentially lower than the £60 million Arsenal reportedly bid in January.

In the 2023/24 Premier League season, **Ollie Watkins** scored 19 goals, outperforming **Rasmus Hojlund**’s 10 league goals for Manchester United. This highlights the potential impact **Watkins** could have on United’s attacking output.

The club is also reportedly set to receive a €25 million windfall from the potential sale of **Mason Greenwood** to a Saudi Arabian club, which could bolster their transfer budget.

Newcastle United Eyes Premier League Duo as Wissa Deal Stalls: Jackson and Watkins Emerge as top Striker Targets

Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new striker has taken a important turn, with Brentford’s Yoane wissa now appearing unlikely too make the move to st. James’ Park. The Magpies have reportedly shifted their focus to Premier League rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa, identifying Nicolas Jackson and ollie Watkins as prime alternatives.

Eddie Howe is determined to bolster his attacking options this summer, a stance that remains firm irrespective of Alexander Isak’s future. The Swedish international has reportedly expressed a desire to explore his options, with Liverpool reportedly showing keen interest. This uncertainty surrounding isak has intensified Newcastle’s search for a new frontman, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko previously identified as a potential direct replacement.

However,the transfer landscape has shifted. Brentford has reportedly “closed the door” on Wissa’s departure, demanding a staggering £50 million for the 28-year-old. This significant price hike comes after the sale of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, a move that appears to have altered Brentford’s valuation of Wissa. The Congolese international is reportedly “furious” and refusing to train, feeling a pact regarding his potential exit for a lower fee has been broken.

In light of Brentford’s uncompromising stance on Wissa, Newcastle is actively exploring other avenues. According to reports from Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has been added to Newcastle’s list of attacking targets. Furthermore, Aston Villa’s prolific striker Ollie Watkins is also reportedly “in their thoughts.”

While Howe is keen for Isak to remain at the club and sign a new contract, the striker’s camp is understood to be seeking a substantial wage increase that could disrupt Newcastle’s existing wage structure. This situation,coupled with the stalled Wissa deal,has prompted Newcastle to cast a wider net in their search for attacking reinforcements.

Adding another layer to the Wissa saga, French newspaper L’Équipe has reported interest from newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Neom SC. While Neom SC possesses the financial capability to meet Brentford’s valuation, the immediate focus for Newcastle remains on securing a Premier League-proven talent to spearhead their attack.

the coming weeks are expected to be crucial as Newcastle navigates the complexities of the transfer market, aiming to secure a striker who can substantially enhance their offensive capabilities for the upcoming season.

Ollie Watkins

Red Devils ‘confident’ of signing ‘preferred’ striker for one key reason despite ‘prohibitive’ factor