Newcastle have already given Man United cash injection to help complete Benjamin Sesko transfer

The latest Manchester United transfer news as they continue to chase a deal for Benjamin Sesko.

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as they go head-to-head with Newcastle United for the Slovenia international.

Ruben Amorim has already strengthened his forward line this summer – with the additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford respectively. Now, United appear to be closing in on their top striker target in Sesko, with a report from The Athletic claiming they have tabled a bid worth €75m plus €10m in add-ons to Leipzig.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have submitted two bids to the Bundesliga club across recent days, the latest reportedly arriving on Monday evening. However, the final decision is expected to lie with the player, who looks set to make up his mind sooner rather than later.

Much has been made of how United can afford such a big-money transfer, having already committed significant funds to the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo. The Manchester Evening News reported last week that the club do have financial headroom to strike a deal for Sesko without any immediate sales from their so-called ‘bomb squad’ following the season-long loan of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona.

They’ve also generated income through sell-on clauses, including from the sale of Anthony Elanga, who joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest last month. The winger left Old Trafford for Forest in 2023 for £15m, and two years on has made the switch to St James’ Park in a deal worth up to £55m.

As part of his move to the City Ground, United negotiated a sell-on clause. Although the exact terms have not been disclosed, it’s widely reported that the club received a windfall in the region of £6m to £8m from Elanga’s transfer.

United are also aiming to offload the remaining members of their ‘bomb squad’, including Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia, before the 1 September deadline. The possible arrival of Sesko could also push Rasmus Hojlund towards the exit, although the 22-year-old has so far made clear his desire to stay and fight for his place at the club.

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