Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a full agreement to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, with sources claiming the club is “confident” of finalising the deal within the next 48 hours.
Šeško, one of Europe’s most highly-rated young forwards, has been at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war this summer, with Arsenal, Newcastle, and United all showing strong interest. Arsenal ultimately chose to pursue Viktor Gyökeres, while Newcastle and United remained locked in pursuit of the Slovenian.
Reports had suggested at one point that Šeško was open to joining either United or Newcastle, and had verbally agreed to the financial terms offered by both clubs, sparking uncertainty over his preferred destination.
However, it is now believed that the 21-year-old has chosen United, and a €80 million (£69.8m) bid plus add-ons has been lodged by the Premier League giants. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, United are “advancing on reaching an agreement,” while David Ornstein previously reported the club were “closing in” on a deal.
Further momentum has come from Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who reports that United are confident the deal will be completed in the next 48 hours.
Newcastle Turn to Alternatives
With United expected to win the race for Šeško, Newcastle United will now be forced to explore other striker options, having already missed out on Hugo Ekitike earlier in the window.
Sources suggest the Magpies have five alternatives under consideration:
Yoane Wissa (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Samu Aghehowa (Porto), and Loïs Openda (RB Leipzig).
However, a potential move for Openda could prove complicated, with Leipzig reportedly unwilling to lose both Sesko and Lois Openda in the same transfer window due to the impact it would have on their attacking depth.
United Eye Goalkeeper Move After Sesko
Once the Sesko deal is finalised, Manchester United are expected to turn their attention to Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
A first offer is reportedly in the works, with PSG valuing the Italian international at around £30.5 million.
Meanwhile, should the Sesko deal unexpectedly fall through, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford.
The England striker, who has made 223 appearances for Villa, is said to believe it’s the “right time” to leave and is monitoring developments closely.