Manchester United have concrete interest in signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The Red Devils are likely to sign a new centre-forward this summer with Anthony Martial set to depart the club when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Rasmus Hojlund had a relatively good debut season despite injuries, but the hierarchy may want another quality marksman to provide competition off the bench.
Sesko has been linked with United for some time and Plettenberg claims that the ‘interest is concrete’ and the club have already enquired about his availability.
The 20-year-old has a release clause worth €65 million (£55m), which expires on June 30. Leipzig still hope he will sign a new contract.
All parties involved want a decision made before the start of the 2024 European Championship.
Sesko to United speculation could be agent-driven
United had their sights on signing a new striker in January. Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy was very close to joining them, but the club’s tight financial situation scuppered the deal.
The club should have funds to spend in the next transfer window, but the focus for now could be on recouping funds from player sales before the financial year ends on June 30.
With this in mind, United are unlikely to make an effort to land Sesko this month. The club will have a lower budget without Champions League football and could spend more cautiously.
A new centre-back should be the top priority with Varane’s expected exit. A defensive midfielder may also need to be prioritised with Casemiro’s huge decline over the past 12 months.
If United were to sign a striker, they could prefer an experienced ace to act as Hojlund’s deputy.
The Red Devils will not want to hamper Holund’s development. Sesko may not be tempted to join without an assured starting role.
The speculation could be agent-driven. His representative is probably looking to speed up a transfer from Leipzig, with Arsenal and Chelsea also in the race.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
