Man Utd face lose-lose transfer scenario even if Benjamin Sesko snubs Newcastle

Man Utd signing Benjamin Sesko would be a huge risk.

Benjamin Sesko is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward opportunity in the transfer market. Manchester United have been scarred too many times after putting all of their chips on a young forward who is showing promise overseas. A pursuit of Sesko goes against the steps they have taken to move away from those recruitment woes this summer. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo represent two of the most guaranteed hits United could have gone for, given their proven track record in the Premier League. Another established attacker, Ollie Watkins, was reportedly Ruben Amorim's priority striker target before Aston Villa shut up shop. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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Amorim and chief executive Omar Berrada's continued affirmation that United must be careful with their recruitment should not be ignored. Over a decade of dismal dealings has left the Red Devils in their current sorry state, both on the pitch and in their accounts. If they are to escape their slumber under Amorim, there is a universal acceptance that the number of unsuccessful signings at Old Trafford must plummet. Sesko has unsurprisingly drawn comparisons to Rasmus Hojlund, given the 22-year-old's struggles since his £72million switch from Atalanta two years ago. But the Slovenian, also 22, boasts a significantly higher ceiling and physical attributes that could work in his favour as he adapts to Premier League football. For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

Man Utd are trying to stop overpaying for players.

He would also be entering a stronger attack than Hojlund did after the arrivals of Cunha and Mbeumo. But principles are important. On one hand, losing out on their top striker target to Newcastle United would represent a significant blow, less than two weeks until the season starts. However, given Berrada has been firm in his stance that United must break the trend of overpaying for players, it would be questionable to go against that to beat the Magpies to the line. Leipzig rejected Newcastle first bid £65m plus £5m in add-ons, prompting a follow-up offer worth a guaranteed £70m. The Athletic reports that the Bundesliga club have no intentions to sell Sesko for less than their asking price. For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

For a striker who scored 13 goals in the Bundesliga last season, Berrada would be going against his public stance if he sanctions that high a fee. United's director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who was central to bringing Sesko into the Red Bull structure, is fuelling the interest. Yet, Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have the ultimate say. Some believe the M16 giants already paid over the odds for Mbeumo, splashing a package worth £71m after over a month of negotiations. Regardless of whether Sesko would eventually be a success at the club or not, doing the same would indicate that INEOS' approach to recruitment is not dissimilar to the former regime after all.

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