Manchester United dealt major blow as RB Leipzig close in on Benjamin Sesko deal

Manchester United look set to miss out on RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko as RB Leipzig close in on an agreement to sign the striker.

The Red Devils had identified the 19-year-old as a key target in their bid to bolster their attack, with Erik ten Hag fearing his squad’s lack of depth in that department could cost them this season.

That much was evident against Brighton on Sunday as Anthony Martial was missing through injury and Cristiano Ronaldo, who had managed just 45 minutes of pre-season, could only take a place on the bench.

Sesko, who has been on United’s radar for the last three years, is open to a move to England but Fabrizio Romano reports that Leipzig have stolen a march on United’s hopes.

The German club have a partnership with Salzburg and often provide a pathway into a major European league by securing players from the Austrians.

Romano claims Leipzig will close a deal this week to sign Sesko for the summer of 2023.

This will allow Sesko to fulfill his desire to stay in Austria for another 12 months, where he wants consistent first team football to continue his development.

But it’s another damaging blow to United’s hopes of bolstering their attack and the club are now desperately scrambling around for forwards.

United have had a bid rejected by Bologna for Marko Arnautovic, though the Austrian has handed in a transfer request in a bid to force through the move.

Juventus have accepted a bid from the club for Adrien Rabiot after United appeared to move on in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.

However, the club must agree personal terms with the Frenchman before a deal can be completed.

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