Manchester United might have a clear run at their main transfer target after the latest twist in Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Reds have been chasing his signature for a number of weeks, having initially reached out to Newcastle last month. They submitted their first official bid on Friday but it was immediately turned down by the Magpies.
Liverpool reportedly tabled an offer in the region of £110million but Newcastle were unwilling to entertain their advances. They have made it clear that Isak is valued at £150m and will not be sold for anything less. It has since been claimed that Liverpool have pulled out of negotiations, with the saga leaving Newcastle furious.
It means that Isak looks set to stay at St James' Park, unless Liverpool decide to return to the table with a significantly higher offer. The breakdown in talks could be great news for United, who have also been trying to sign a new striker this summer.
They are said to be eyeing a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who is believed to be keen on joining the Red Devils. Earlier this week, a United delegation was reportedly sent to Germany with the aim of finding a breakthrough in negotiations.
Newcastle have also been pursuing a move for Sesko as a potential replacement for Isak. However, given that Liverpool are not expected to submit any further offers, it seems likely that United will have a clear path to the former's signature.
Leipzig are thought to be demanding at least £65m for Sesko, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season. Any deal would almost certainly include a series of performance-related bonuses on top of that initial figure.
It has been reported that United's players are convinced that Sesko would be the perfect signing. He is said to have reached out to several members of the squad and heard back that he would be a good fit for Ruben Amorim's system.
United's head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is said to be the driving force behind the potential move. He has already played a key role in shaping Sesko's career, helping to bring him to Red Bull Salzburg when he was a teenager.
Vivell previously explained why he believes the forward is a top talent, saying: "He has enormous potential to become a top player. He has all the qualities to do that.
"He's extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his [height], he is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile."
It remains to be seen if United can strike a deal over the coming days, with negotiations still taking place behind the scenes. Given that Newcastle are seemingly out of the picture, it might only be a matter of time before Sesko is seen holding up a red shirt.
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