Newcastle United and Manchester United are going head-to-head for the signature of Benjamin Sesko.
Both clubs are in need of a striker, and both clubs are considering a deal for Benjamin Sesko.
Newcastle are very interested in Sesko, as they prepare themselves for the possibility of Alexander Isak leaving the club. The Slovenian would be a spectacular replacement, with Isak’s Newcastle future still uncertain.
It is also uncertain whether the Magpies will be able to bring Sesko to St James’ Park.
Man United have impressed Sesko following talks, as they attempt to land another player that Newcastle want to sign after bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester United’s current stance on signing Benjamin Sesko
Sesko could make it a hat-trick, but it would appear that the Red Devils are not yet fully committed to the idea of signing the RB Leipzig striker.
That is according to the Athletic, who report that Man United are yet to decide who is their top target out of Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
The Athletic state that talks have taken place regarding deals for both players, but a decision on who to pursue has not been made.
In contrast, Sesko is Newcastle’s top target. The Magpies do have alternatives on their radar like Nicolas Jackson, but landing Sesko is their priority.
Newcastle United must capitalise on Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko uncertainty
The door is wide open for Newcastle United to snatch Sesko away from Manchester United.
They are undecided. They do not know whether to go for the experience of Watkins, who is proven in the Premier League and will be cheaper but is much older. Or they spend more money on Sesko, who has never played in English football and represents a bit more of a risk. However, he does have potential.
As Man United weigh up that decision, Newcastle’s interest must intensify. Their decision is made. If Isak goes, Sesko is the player they want. And if Isak is going, they need to replace him in advance.
That is why Newcastle now need to go all out for Sesko. In turn, they will be proving to the player just how desperate they are to sign him. In contrast, Man United are undecided.
In a summer in which Newcastle have failed to look like a big club in the transfer market, now is the time to change the script and get a deal for Sesko done. It sends a message that there can be life after Isak, and it gets one over on Man United.
Time is of the essence for Eddie Howe and co.
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