Manchester United have reportedly launched a formal €85 million bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, amid fierce competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, according to German tabloid Bild.
The 22-year-old Slovenian forward is at the centre of a summer transfer battle, with Newcastle reportedly offering the same amount, including performance-based bonuses. Their initial bid of €80 million was upped on Monday, while United submitted their offer on Tuesday.
Sesko was withdrawn from Leipzig’s friendly against Atalanta on Saturday due to the intense transfer interest. The club’s sporting director, Marcel Schaefer, confirmed the decision, stating the striker was sidelined “due to the very concrete interests from several clubs.”
Benjamin Sesko netted 13 goals and five assists in a challenging Bundesliga season, while also scoring 16 goals in 41 appearances for the Slovenia national team.
United are looking to bolster their attack after enduring their worst top-flight season in over five decades and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. The club has already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but could offload underperforming striker Rasmus Hojlund, who may be sold for €35 million, less than half of his 2023 signing fee.
Meanwhile, Newcastle, who secured Champions League football with a fifth-place league finish, may be seeking a replacement for Alexander Isak, who is being linked with a move to Liverpool.
