Benjamin Sesko suspicions raised as Man Utd and Newcastle make transfer decisions

Senior figures at RB Leipzig now reportedly suspect that hotshot striker Benjamin Sesko may end up staying at the club, despite interest from Manchester United and Newcastle. Both English teams are searching for a new forward, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee underwhelming, while Alexander Isak could leave for Liverpool.

Hugo Ekitike, another target for both clubs, has also completed a move to Merseyside and left their rivals with Sesko as a target. But perhaps curiously, neither team has made a concrete move for the 22-year-old Slovenian.

Sesko is seen as one of the most promising strikers on the market, monitored by Arsenal and Chelsea also before they prioritised deals for Viktor Gyokeres, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

But Newcastle and United, who are still trying to bring in forward reinforcements, appear to be looking elsewhere.

Eddie Howe is targeting Yoane Wissa and Nicolas Jackson, while the Red Devils have joined Newcastle in pursuit of Ollie Watkins.

The Athletic claim that Sesko's price tag, thought to be in the region of £61m, has been considered too expensive for a player who still requires work to reach his very high potential.

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And privately, those inside Leipzig suspect that he may stay for another year. Sales were required after failing to qualify for any European competition, but Chelsea's expected purchase of Xavi Simons may ease those concerns.

There is also interest in Sesko's striker partner Lois Openda, making the decision to hold onto Sesko more viable than first thought.

The chances of Sesko remaining in Germany, under the Red Bull umbrella, have increased immensely in recent weeks and the club are not upset at that development.

The player himself is disappointed not to get the move he believes he deserves, but is not against spending another year at Leipzig, though remains confident that the right transfer will become available. Sesko has returned to pre-season training and displayed a positive attitude.

Meanwhile, at United, any striker incoming is likely to depend on Hojlund leaving the club. He retains interest from Serie A after a disappointing two years at Old Trafford.

Newcastle wanted to pair Ekitike with Isak before the Swede asked to leave but should Liverpool get their man, the necessity for another striker would increase tenfold.

Sesko does not appear to be their man though.

There is over a month left in the transfer window and the ever-changing carousel can change at the drop of a hat, but Leipzig figures are preparing themselves to hold onto the wonderkid ahead of a push to return to European football.