Manchester United are reportedly debating hijacking a £20 million transfer as Benjamin Šeško’s move to Old Trafford draws closer.
Manchester United are shifting their focus to the final three signings of the summer as Rúben Amorim prepares for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.
The club have already completed deals for Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Bryan Mbeumo. Cunha and Mbeumo are expected to form two-thirds of a new-look attacking trio, while 18-year-old Leon will operate as understudy to Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu at left wing-back.
With five weeks remaining in the transfer window, United are targeting an experienced centre-forward, a defensive midfielder and a goalkeeper to provide competition for André Onana.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško has been identified as their preferred choice to lead the line. Although the club are still exploring the sale of players such as Alejandro Garnacho, reports indicate that United do not need to sell in order to afford a move for Šeško.
Šeško moving closer to United
United have emerged as frontrunners for Šeško following a fresh round of positive talks this week, according to transfer Ben Jacobs. They have made the decision that he is their first-choice target for the position.
The striker is said to be keen on the move to Old Trafford, even without the guarantee of European football this season after the club fnished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final last campaign.
Newcastle remain in contact with Šeško but now fear he is leaning towards a switch to United. Despite being prepared to meet both RB Leipzig’s and the striker’s demands, there is growing concern that the player has made up his mind.
The deal remains complicated by Leipzig’s high asking price, which has proven a stumbling block for other clubs, including Arsenal earlier in the window. The Bundesliga side are quoting around £65 million plus add-ons, making the structure of any potential agreement crucial.
United debaing Hackney transfer hijack
United’s pursuit of Šeško would leave the club with very little funding left for transfers to sign a new midfielder and goalkeeper, which would leave the club looking for bargain options in the market unless they can raise significant funding through sales.
United have been long-linked with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, but it was widely reported earlier this week that the Championship side had accepted a bid of £20 million for the English midfielder from Ipswich Town.
However, GiveMeSport have reported that, amid the £20 million agreement, United are now debating whether to make a late swoop for the 23-year-old Championship midfielder, who played under Michael Carrick.
Hackney has refused to rush into undergoing a medical at Portman Road, which has given United hope in securing the player. However, if they do make a move, GiveMeSport reports that Amorim will have to hand Hackney assurances over game time at Old Trafford.
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