Manchester United are still desperately on the lookout for a new striker this season, and the latest target has emerged in the form of Benjamin Sesko, regardless of what happens with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Red Devils are still pretty short in the striking department as Ronaldo and Martial are the only recognised strikers they have at the moment.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell as well as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano have stated that Manchester United are trying to seal the deal for the forward soon.
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Whitwell reports that United are strongly pushing for the youngster.
He said, “Football director John Murtough met the agent of Benjamin Sesko last Wednesday. More talks are planned over the Red Bull Salzburg centre-forward, but United face competition from Chelsea and possibly Liverpool, who have a good relationship with the Red Bull group.
“United have scouted Sesko since he was at Domzale, a club in Slovenia. Back then, in 2019, United viewed a €3 million (£2.5m, $3.1m) price as excessive. The cost now would be much higher, to the point that a deal is viewed as complicated.
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“Staff at Salzburg have speculated that Sesko, whose contract runs to 2026, could be even better than Erling Haaland, so the Austrian side are not willing sellers.”
Fabrizio, meanwhile, said in his tweet, “Key days for Benjamin Sesko’s future with contacts ongoing, Manchester United know they have to be fast on this deal, after meeting with agent days ago. There are two more clubs in the race. Sesko will make a decision soon with his agent and family.”
Fabrizio went on to state that Sesko will decide this week whether he wants to leave his club or wait for another season.
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This situation could yield in either the deal for the player happening very quickly or not happening at all.
Chelsea and Liverpool haven’t aggressively started chasing the player yet, which is why United will hope to use this to their advantage and get their target sealed soon.
Meanwhile, Sesko’s national teammate from Slovenia, Blaz Kramer commented on Sesko’s Instagram post after he played and scored against Liverpool.
He said, “Come to @manchesterunited.”
Sky Sports yesterday reported that Manchester United have indeed held talks with Red Bull Salzburg over Benjamin Sesko but there is a gap in both club’s valuation of the 19-year-old striker.
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With Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club yet to be decided, there is no doubt Manchester United must act fast if they are to add to their strike force before the end of this summer’s transfer window.
United kick off their Premier League campaign this Sunday when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion in their opening clash of the season.
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Erik Ten Hag
Mudeet Arora