Leipzig Delivers Crushing Four-Word Response to Man Utd's Sesko Pursuit
"Benjamin Šeško underwent separate training sessions," was the brief yet telling statement RB Leipzig released about their coveted forward's uncertain circumstances on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old Slovenian striker has become the focal point of a bidding battle between Manchester United and Newcastle during this transfer window. The Tyneside club has allegedly raised their total offer to €90 million (£78.4 million, $104.2 million) while United's initial proposal is believed to be approximately €85 million (£74 million, $98.4 million).
Amid these complicated circumstances, Leipzig announced that Šeško practiced alone on Tuesday. The previous campaign's top goalscorer was absent from the team's latest pre-season match, observing from the sidelines as Atalanta secured a 2–1 victory at the Red Bull Arena last Saturday.
Leipzig have yet to acknowledge either proposal and Šeško has remained silent about the matter. The Guardian reports that Manchester United are confident they represent the striker's favored destination, though his current club would likely lean toward Newcastle's more lucrative proposal.
The Newcastle side offers Champions League participation while United lack European involvement entirely, yet clearly maintain appeal through their historical reputation. This summer has already seen Mbeumo reject Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur to join a team that finished 10 positions lower in the previous Premier League campaign.
Both teams have been actively pursuing a new striker despite having forwards already in their squads. Bruno Fernandes has openly requested additional personnel at United as the club seeks a central focal point around which Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha can operate.
Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both clearly indicated they have no intention of departing Old Trafford should a new striker be acquired. Alexander Isak has allegedly adopted the completely opposite position at Newcastle.
The Swedish forward is reportedly eager to move to Liverpool despite Newcastle's rejection of all advances to date. That position won't change until the Magpies find a replacement, which could materialize as Šeško, providing him with an uncontested starting role at St. James's Park.