RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko wants to join Manchester United this summer, despite Newcastle United pushing for his signature, according to reports. The 22-year-old is being chased by both Premier League clubs but is said to have chosen Old Trafford as his preference in yet another blow for Eddie Howe.

Leipzig are thought to want at least £64million to part ways with Sesko this summer, which could call for player sales before United can make their move. But the Bundesliga star could be ready to wait for those funds to free up rather than commit to Newcastle, who seem prepared to wrap up a deal almost imminently.

According to reporter Jan Aage Fjortoft, Sesko understands that Champions League football is on offer at Newcastle, but he wants to join United.

Despite the Slovenia international's preference, a deal will not be easy to complete due to Leipzig's demands.

Arsenal pursued Sesko as their priority striker target earlier in the summer but abandoned their efforts after finding discussions difficult and the cost too high.

The Gunners ultimately opted for Viktor Gyokeres, one of a few strikers on United's shortlist who have moved to other Premier League clubs.

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Sesko has a long-term admirer in United, though. The Red Devils have reportedly considered signing him on three occasions since he caught the eye as a 16-year-old at NK Domzale.

Ollie Watkins is also on Ruben Amorim's radar. He would be cheaper than Sesko and offers proven Premier League quality, having never failed to hit double figures in a single season.

But Watkins is now 29 and would offer little to no resale value, should he arrive at Old Trafford in his prime years. Sesko is seven years his junior and could have a higher ceiling.

United's director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, could be fuelling the club's interest in the Leipzig frontman.

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Vivell worked in the Red Bull structure from 2015 to 2022 at both RB Salzburg and Leipzig before Chelsea appointed him technical director.

He left for United in an initial interim role before joining Sir Jim Ratcliffe's leadership structure permanently earlier this year.

Sesko would undoubtedly represent a bigger risk than Watkins. He has already drawn comparisons to the last time the Red Devils banked on potential by splashing £72m to sign Rasmus Hojlund.

But should the risk pay off, Amorim could transition from having one of the Premier League's most toothless attacks to one of the competition's most potent.