Man Utd urged to avoid £30m mistake after Benjamin Sesko breakthrough | Football

Manchester United have been urged not to rush into selling Rasmus Hojlund even if they complete a deal for the highly-coveted Benjamin Sesko.

United appear to have won the race to sign Sesko after the RB Leipzig striker indicated he would prefer to join Ruben Amorim’s side over a move to Newcastle United.

Newcastle had lodged a second bid of €80m (£69.5m), plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons for the 22-year-old, but their efforts appear to have been in vain.

The Red Devils are now expected to finalise terms on a deal to sign Sesko after submitting their own bid worth €85m (£73.8m).

The signing of Sesko represents a major boost for United, who have made recruiting attacking reinforcements a priority in the summer transfer window.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already signed, and the imminent arrival of Sesko is hoped to provide an immediate upgrade on the current goalscoring options within the squad.

Hojlund, signed for £72m two summers ago, could well be one of the casualties, with reports suggesting United would allow the Denmark international to leave Old Trafford if their £30m asking price is met.

But while interest in Hojlund may only escalate should Sesko arrive, Mikael Silvestre urged his former side to be cautious about immediately cashing in on the inconsistent Dane.

‘Marcus Rashford has gone and there are not a lot of strikers around, Joshua Zirkzee is a different type of striker that doesn’t make those runs in behind the defence,’ he told Hajper.

‘He is another type of player for certain games, certain opposition.

Expert analysis: Benjamin Sesko

It was quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They’ve been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he was still one of their best and most consistent players.

Sesko’s strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he’s great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he’s also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he’s a willing runner off the ball as well.

His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It’s not that he’s bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Kai Havertz, he’s not at that level. In particular, his passing will need to get a lot better.

But during his young career, he’s shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he’s a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner.

Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews

‘But no, you need competition, need quality, so I wouldn’t rush into sending Rasmus Hojlund out on loan if Sesko signs. Absolutely not.’

Hojlund, meanwhile, has already made public his desire to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his space in the team regardless of who comes through the door in the summer.

‘I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot whatever happens,’ he said last month.

‘I am still very young. I think people sometimes forget that. I am only 22 years old. I have learned a lot, and I think that shows in my game.

‘I have done very well so far during the pre-season.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Leeds United backed to finish above Man Utd in the Premier League this season

MORE: Newcastle identify four striker targets as Benjamin Sesko nears Man Utd move

MORE: European giants eye Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho as contingency plans