Manchester United agree deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko

By Simon Peach, PA Chief Football Writer

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Benjamin Sesko after agreeing a deal worth up to £73.7million with RB Leipzig, the PA news agency understands.

The talented 22-year-old striker has been the subject of a tug of a war as the Red Devils and Newcastle both attempted to bolster their attacks ahead of the new season.

Sesko indicated to United that he favoured a move to them over the Magpies and PA understands they have now agreed a deal with Leipzig worth €76.5m (£66.3m) plus a potential €8.5m (£7.4m) in add-ons.

The Slovenia international has been granted permission to travel to Manchester to undergo a medical and complete the move.

Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions last term and has long been on the Red Devils’ radar, stretching back to his move from Domzale to RB Salzburg in 2019.

Newcastle had made the first move this summer and reacted to seeing an initial bid rebuffed by making an improved approach worth a reported 82.5m euros (£71.9m) plus 2.5m euros (£2.2m) in add-ons.

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils were waiting in the wings and followed with a rival proposal of 75m euros (£65.4m), plus a potential 10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.

The terms were subsequently tweaked, with United paying slightly more as an initial fee as part of the deal in principle struck with Leipzig.

Sesko is set to become the fourth signing of the summer as United look to hit back from finishing 15th last season – their worst top-flight campaign in 51 years – and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.

Matheus Cunha joined from Wolves for £62.5m, while Bryan Mbeumo left Brentford for an initial £65m fee that could rise by a further £6m should certain add-on clauses related to team and player be achieved.

Teenage wing-back Diego Leon has also linked up with United after a deal was struck with Cerro Porteno in January.