Man United 'closing in' on Benjamin Sesko deal: When could 22-year-old make Red Devils debut?

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with the Red Devils set to beat Newcastle United to a deal for the 22-year-old.

Sesko's future has been the subject of much speculation of late, with Newcastle and Man United going head-to-head for the striker, who has scored 39 times in 87 appearances for Leipzig in all competitions.

Both clubs have now made offers for the Slovenia international, but it appears that Man United have won the race, with the striker wanting to join the Red Devils over the Magpies.

According to journalist David Ornstein, Man United and Leipzig are yet to come to an agreement over a transfer fee, but the deal is very much moving in the right direction.

Ornstein claims that talks are 'advancing towards conclusion', with Sesko making it clear to both Man United and Newcastle that he wants to join the 20-time English champions.

Man United 'nearing deal' for Leipzig star Sesko

According to talkSPORT, Newcastle have already moved onto other targets, with Eddie Howe's side resigned to missing out on a move for Sesko in another bitter blow.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Brentford's Yoane Wissa, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Leipzig's Lois Openda are also seen as forward targets for the Magpies at this stage of the transfer window.

Man United's offer for Sesko is believed to be €75m (£65.3m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, while Newcastle's bid for the striker was €82.5m (£71.9m) plus €2.5m (£2.2m).

Sesko has allegedly already agreed personal terms with Man United on a contract until June 2030, with the striker determined to join the Red Devils despite the fact that the club will not play European football during the 2025-26 campaign.

The Slovenian has scored 39 goals and registered eight assists in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 21 goals and six assists in 45 outings during the 2024-25 campaign.

Sesko could make Man United debut against Arsenal

Man United will round off their preparations for the 2025-26 campaign with a friendly against Fiorentina on Saturday, and it is not impossible for Sesko to be signed in time to feature in that particular match.

However, with Man United and Leipzig yet to settle on a transfer fee, a deal may not be completed until the weekend, so Sesko's debut for the Red Devils could come in a blockbuster of a contest.

Indeed, Ruben Amorim's side will open their 2025-26 Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17, and Sesko could be unleashed off the bench in the standout clash at Old Trafford.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with Sesko earlier this summer, but the Gunners ultimately decided to focus their attention on a move for Viktor Gyokeres.