Man Utd setback as £61m star opts to seal transfer to UCL club - report

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško will continue his sporting career with Newcastle United instead of Manchester United, according to Slovenian outlet Delo.

The Slovenia international was initially a target for Arsenal this summer, but the Gunners eventually chose to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres instead.

Šeško warmed up to the idea of joining the Red Devils last month, but Delo claim that the Magpies management have ultimately won the race for his signature.

The publication do not mention the valuation, but it is reported that a package between £61 million and £70 million could be negotiated for the 22-year-old’s transfer.

United set for another potential striker blow

The Red Devils were initially keen on landing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, but he chose to join Chelsea. Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyökeres were mentioned as realistic targets too, but the pair have signed for Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.

Šeško has recently emerged as the prime option to bolster the striking department, but Slovenian sources say that the Magpies have won the transfer battle. It remains to be seen whether there is any truth to the story. We should get an update on this soon.

United are in a tight financial situation after spending more than £130m on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but it has been reported that they can afford the signature of Šeško, provided they can recoup funds from sales before June 30 next year to avoid breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Newcastle, who have qualified for the Champions League next term through a top-five league finish, have a verbal agreement with the player for a summer transfer, but there could still be a twist in the saga.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Leipzig have asked for Rasmus Hojlund in a part-exchange deal. The Dane’s potential move to the Bundesliga outfit could still swing the deal in the Red Devils’ favour.

Article written by Sri Aswin .