Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the key difference between Manchester United’s and Newcastle’s respective deals for Benjamin Šeško.
Manchester United have made the search for a new centre-forward their main focus as Rúben Amorim looks to complete his attacking overhaul ahead of the new season.
Bruno Fernandes ended last season as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, with just three other players reaching double figures across all competitions.
In response to their struggles in front of goal, United have already invested £127.5 million in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who scored 15 and 20 Premier League goals respectively during the 2024/25 campaign.
Both players have joined up with the squad for pre-season training in the United States. With their wide options now significantly improved, Amorim has turned his attention to finding a striker, with Benjamin Šeško reportedly emerging as United’s top target.
Key difference between United and Newcastle
United’s pursuit of Šeško is complicated because Premier League rivals Newcastle are also very keen on signing the 22-year-old Slovenian international.
The latter club tabled a £78 million package offer to Leipzig earlier this week, although there is yet to be an indication of the Bundesliga side’s response. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, despite Newcastle’s bid, United remain firmly in the race.
However, the Italian explained that the key difference between United and Newcastle is that while Newcastle are ready to pay whatever it takes to secure the forward, United are in contact with Šeško’s camp to convince the player before tabling a bid.
“I can tell you this afternoon that Man United are still in direct contact with Red Bull Leipzig,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel. “Man United are absolutely into this race.
“Both clubs are in the race with a different position, because Newcastle financially are ready to give everything they want to make the deal happen. Manchester United are in a different financial position but still working on a deal.
“Don’t underestimate Manchester United because they are still there with the player side, with the player camp, with Red Bull Leipzig, in direct contact with Leipzig, as well as Newcastle. Financially, Newcastle is more ready for Man United, but for sure, both clubs are still in the race.
“Remember, what makes a difference in this story is what the player wants to do, what the player decides to do. And so this is going to be the crucial point with Newcastle ready to do whatever it takes to Sanchezco but Man United still in the conversation.”
United have an alternative to Šeško
With Alexander Isak potentially on his way out, Newcastle have turned their full attention to the Slovenian striker. However, both clubs still have alternative options should a move for Benjamin Šeško fall through.
According to reports from France, Randal Kolo Muani could become a viable target if Juventus are unable to bring the Frenchman back on loan, with talks between the Italian club and PSG having stalled in recent weeks.
Both Newcastle and United are said to be monitoring the “complete” forward, and if Šeško chooses to head to the North East, United would be well-placed to make a push for Kolo Muani.
However, former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has suggested that if a top-quality striker cannot be secured, the club should go all in for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba instead.
“If I don’t get a striker, I’d go midfield,” the 46-year-old said. “There’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’ve got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need.”
“An Amorim-type player as well. Physically great, can drive with the ball, can take it in all areas, very good tactically, great energy, great legs, Premier League experience, centre midfield. Baleba. That’s who I go and get. That’s my man. That’s the one I go and get. I go and break the bank.”
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