MANCHESTER United are pursuing a deal for Benjamin Sesko after settling on the RB Leipzig striker as their preferred target.
United have been in contact with Leipzig after deciding to prioritise their interest in Sesko over Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. They have yet to submit a formal bid.
Newcastle have also identified the 22-year-old Slovenia international as their primary target, with Alexander Isak expressing his desire to leave St James’ Park.
Leipzig are likely to demand at least €80m (£69m) for Sesko, who was the subject of serious interest from Arsenal earlier in the window before the north London club opted for Viktor Gyokeres.
Ruben Amorim, the United manager, has been desperate to bolster his attack this summer after his side managed just 44 goals in the Premier League last season.
United have already spent £133.5m on Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo and Brazil international Matheus Cunha, and Amorim is now hoping to add a centre-forward.
The Old Trafford side also looked at Watkins but Villa insisted the England striker was not for sale and United were unwilling to pay out the sort of fee for a 29-year-old that might have tested Villa’s resolve.
Arsenal are thought to have had a bid of around £40m rejected for Watkins in January and it is thought it would have taken a far higher fee for Villa to even contemplate selling.
Newcastle have endured a torrid summer in the transfer market and have already lost out to United for Mbeumo and the prospect of missing out on another key target should Sesko opt for Old Trafford would be a fresh blow to Eddie Howe.
United have looked at a host of strikers this year as they bid to beef up their attack and feel Sesko would be a strong long-term option.
Their interest in Sesko dates as far back as 2019 when they were considering a move before he joined Red Bull Salzburg.
Sesko is contracted to Leipzig until 2029 but there is thought to be an understanding that he would be allowed to leave the German club this summer if the right offer came in.
Any successful move for Sesko could raise fresh doubts over the future of Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, who endured a tough second season at Old Trafford.
It would also increase the pressure on United to offload the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho to help balance the books.
Nicolas Jackson was among the strikers United considered this summer before setting their sights firmly on Sesko but his valuation was considered excessive. Contrary to some reports, it is understood United are not discussing a potential swap deal with Chelsea involving Jackson and Garnacho.
Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in Garnacho and United are open to selling the Argentina forward but a swap with Jackson has been discounted by United insiders.