Eddie Howe has addressed rumours linking both Manchester United and Newcastle to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško.
Manchester United have made signing a new centre-forward their next priority as Rúben Amorim looks to further strengthen his frontline ahead of the new season.
Bruno Fernandes finished the 2024/25 campaign as United’s leading scorer with 19 goals, while only three other players reached double figures across all competitions.
To boost their attacking threat, the club have already spent £127.5 million on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who netted 15 and 20 Premier League goals respectively last season.
Both wingers are now with the squad in the United States for pre-season training, and with the flanks reinforced, Amorim has turned his focus to the striker position. Reports suggest Benjamin Šeško is the club’s preferred option to lead the line.
United’s battle with Newcastle for Šeško continues
With United eyeing Šeško this summer, Newcastle are also said to be firmly in the race amid the possibility of the Gordie side losing star centre-forward Alexander Isak this summer.
According to multiple reports on Saturday morning, Newcastle submitted an offer for the Slovenian international of £65.5 million plus a further £4.3 million in add-ons, but are yet to hear a reply from Leipzig.
While it had been suggested in Slovenian media that Šeško had already chosen to sign for Newcastle over the Old Trafford outfit, English-based journalists have claimed that no final decision has been made or communicated to the relevant parties.
Although United have not submitted a bid for the striker as of yet, it’s thought that they have signalled to Leipzig that they intend to if they feel the player is committed to signing for Amorim’s team.
Howe speaks on Newcastle’s Šeško interest
Speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle’s friendly against Tottenham this weekend, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe played down the rumours, stating that he is “sorry” he couldn’t hand a more precise update.
“I am sorry to sound like a broken record, I am aware of what is happening, but I am not dealing with it,” Howe told Chronicle Live when asked about rumours Šeško had made his decision.
“I woke up today and had two training sessions then came straight here.
“I am finding out what is happening after it has happened, so we will try to bring the best to the football club – I will make that clear – but I can’t talk about individual targets.”
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