Benjamin Sesko: Man Utd have wanted 'new Mbappe' for months

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 29 Jul 2022 11:41 BST
7 min read

Benjamin Sesko, Salzburg, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United have a strong interest in Benjamin Sesko, FootballTransfers understands, with the Old Trafford club having monitored the Red Bull Salzburg striker for months.

Article continues under the video

The Austrian side are holding firm in keeping the youngster because they feel a better price could be received next year - but we have learnt that an approach could be made whereby Man Utd pay a percentage of the fee now and then the remainder if certain clauses are met by the youngster in the coming seasons. This is the type of deal that saw them sign Anthony Martial from Monaco.

The attacker's pre-season performances and his agent posting about a trip to Newcastle on Instagram have brought Sesko to public attention - but Man Utd have maintained a strong interest in him far beyond this summer, with the 19-year-old a long-term target.

In some circles, it is believed that the Slovenian, with his pace, power, and eye for goal, could be the next Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe - which is why Man Utd would not want to miss out on having the next big attacker to light up European football.

Benjamin Sesko's performance in the Austrian Bundesliga 2021/22

Man Utd transfer news: Denzel Dumfries a major target

FootballTransfers understands Denzel Dumfries remains one of the most viable options at right-back and is high on Man Utd’s list, even though Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to pre-season in peak physical condition, something the coaches at the club were impressed with.

Manager Erik ten Hag has been very specific about what he wants - Tyrell Malacia being a great example of a wing-back who is aggressive, young, fearless and great going forward. The concern at Carrington is that Wan-Bissaka is quite placid, while his concentration can be lacking too.

Ten Hag is huge on ‘personality’ - a word often repeated at the club - with an onus on bringing in players who always want the ball and are not afraid to press up the field. This is why the club have been very specific about which players they are targeting and the same names mentioned.

Dumfries, therefore, ticks many boxes for Ten Hag and remains a major transfer target.