Benjamin Sesko has picked Manchester United over Newcastle United, and could yet be joined by other big-money targets as Ruben Amorim’s squad continues to get a major facelift this summer.
The i Paper understands Sesko has verbally agreed to personal terms at Old Trafford and will complete his move once United and RB Leipzig can agree on a fee.
It is understood an agreement is near, as United’s £74m offer is close to Leipzig’s valuation. Both the German club and the striker want to end their link-up amicably, so a compromise is expected to be found imminently.
Sesko is the third forward United have splashed the cash on this summer – following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo – to the tune of £200m. Not bad for a club whose co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, said would come close to running out of cash by Christmas had it not been for Ineos’ cost-cutting measures.
As The i Paper reported earlier this week, a reassessment of the club’s financial position has led to a major change in outlook. The club can afford to act now and will look to do all they can to sanction more arrivals, once Sesko is completed, before the new season kicks off in less than two weeks.
Where do Man Utd want to strengthen?
The club’s new transfer structure is focusing on two areas in particular – a dynamic, energetic midfielder and competition for Andre Onana in the goalkeeper department.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has long been a target. One source described him as the “perfect player” for Amorim’s high-octane style of play. Any deal could prove expensive, however, with Brighton reluctant to sell.
There are high hopes for Kobbie Mainoo in the heart of the United midfield, but Amorim has taken time to warm to the Mancunian youngster, with concerns raised over the 20-year-old’s ability to run to the level required by the new United boss.
However, after putting in the work over the summer with the help of private coaches, Amorim is understood to have been impressed by Mainoo’s improved physical attributes in pre-season.
Manuel Ugarte has been given the nod alongside Mainoo in several friendlies, but has looked a yard off it – as he did last season. Captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to play further forward, Casemiro is not getting any younger, while Toby Collyer is still raw. Baleba could be the catalyst for real, lasting change.
One cheaper purchase could be another goalkeeper. The i Paper understands, however, that Paris Saint-Germain stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma is not a viable option, despite rumours to the contrary.
After Sesko, sales will be needed to supplement another big-money move. If they can free up some funds, the club are more likely to go for a younger, more inexperienced keeper to provide cover for Onana. As it stands, United plan to go into the new campaign with the Cameroonian as their No 1.
Onana is understood to be recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of United’s pre-season tour of the United States and could line up against Arsenal on the Premier League’ curtain raiser’s opening weekend.
Who is nearing the exit?
Time to start fundraising. After Marcus Rashford sealed a loan move to Barcelona, four players who told the club they want to leave – Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia – remain on the roster.
Garnacho, however, is expected to make his exit soon. Chelsea have stepped up their interest for the winger they believe will complete a successful summer window for them. United and Chelsea remain apart on valuation, but a compromise is expected to be found, with the Argentine forward keen to engineer a move to another top Premier League side.
Sancho is another whose Old Trafford misery could be about to end. Inter are understood to have entered the race, with Juventus also still keen. Borussia Dortmund are considering making a loan proposal, for what would be the 25-year-old’s third spell in Germany. United would prefer a permanent sale but will do anything they can to get the wantaway’s wages off their books.
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Another player outside the “bomb squad” group who is now likely to leave is Rasmus Hojlund. After failing to live up to the billing, United could accept a bid as low as £30m to allow Hojlund to leave, The i Paper understands, with Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee and the highly-rated Chido Obi all competing for one position.
The former Atalanta striker has insisted he is willing to fight for his place in the team but, with other options available, United could cash in and use the money to reinvest. Hojlund still has a sound reputation in Italy and could secure a return there this summer.
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