A prominent bookmaker has suspended all bets on this summer’s Benjamin Sesko transfer saga after Manchester United finally made their move for the Slovenian striker by offering £73.8million to RB Leipzig.
United’s bid is understood to be an initial £65.1m plus £8.7m in add-ons, which is slightly less than the improved offer worth a total of £78.2m that rivals Newcastle tabled on Monday night.
And as it stands, all bets for the Slovenian to move to Manchester United or Newcastle have been suspended by Betfair.
Sam Rosbottom, a spokesperson from the bookies, has said: ‘Having been odds-on 8/15 favourites to sign Benjamin Sesko on Monday, betting is now suspended for Man United to seal a deal for the 22-year-old Slovenian.
‘United have already secured deals for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to boost their attacking ranks this summer. With his future looking unlikely, Rasmus Hojlund is 3/10 to join RB Leipzig, heading in the opposite direction to Sesko.’
Leipzig have yet to respond to United’s bid, but Sesko will make the final decision over his future and is now considering his options with the Bundesliga club and his representatives.
Manchester United have reportedly made their first bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko
Ruben Amorim is determined to sign a new frontman and Sesko has become his No 1 target
The news will come as a blow to Eddie Howe after Newcastle advanced talks over the weekend
United remained in the background while Newcastle made two attempts to strike a deal for the 22-year-old before officially entering the bidding on Tuesday, although sources are remaining tight-lipped over the move.
They hope that Sesko’s preference to move to Old Trafford will tip the balance in their favour even though the current offer appears to be marginally smaller. United chiefs believe their price matches the player’s market value.
United have been keen to sign a centre-forward this summer after seeing No.1 target Liam Delap opt for Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres go to Liverpool and Arsenal.
They have already spent more than £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to support a new centre-forward, with Rasmus Hojlund set to leave if a new signing comes in.
Newcastle, meanwhile, want Sesko to replace Alexander Isak who is intent on joining Liverpool. The Merseysiders have already had a £110m bid for Isak rejected and are unlikely to return with a better offer until Newcastle have a new striker in place.
Mail Sport previously reported that Sesko became United’s No 1 choice should they sign a new striker this summer, ahead of Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.
Sesko is expected to train separately from his team-mates today due to the uncertainty around his future, although a conclusion is expected soon.
Leipzig have an informal agreement in place to allow Sesko to go should they receive a suitable package from the right club, and talks were held with the Slovenian and his agent Elvis Basanovic over the weekend to discuss his next steps.
United’s substantial bid is said to be worth £65million up front plus £8.6m in add-ons
Newcastle made contact with his camp on Sunday, but with the Premier League season kicking off a week on Saturday, the club may have to shift their attention to other targets. PSG’s Goncalo Ramos is among the names on the shortlist.
United’s interest has been fronted by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with Sesko at RB Salzburg and has described the 6ft 4in forward as having the potential to become one of the world’s top strikers.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has also made him a priority, despite having already brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to strengthen the attack.
Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, as well as a total of 39 goals and eight assists in his 87 appearances for Leipzig since joining in 2023.
Arsenal had previously registered interest before deciding to move for Viktor Gyokeres, despite Sesko emerging as their first-choice target for several weeks.
Speaking in Atlanta, United chief executive Omar Berrada said the club were ‘working around the clock’ to strengthen the squad before the window closes.
‘We have to do a lot of multi-tasking,’ he said. ‘We have a team back home led by (director of football) Jason (Wilcox), the recruitment team, that is working around the clock to ensure we continue to find opportunities to strengthen our squad.
‘There are lots of late calls and early morning meetings to make sure that we stay on top of it.
The club have swooped for Sesko despite already signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha
‘What we want to do is to win and to start winning titles as soon as possible. Of course, adding players helps.
‘We have seen the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon.’