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Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Evidence Man Utd's £74m Benjamin Sesko deal isn't a total gamble as Jude Bellingham beaten
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, and one of the striker's statistics that beats out Jude Bellingham may reassure fans that the move is no gamble Incoming Manchester United recruit Benjamin Sesko is the top scorer under the age of 23 in Europe's five biggest leagues over the past two seasons. Ruben Amorim appears to be getting a new No. 9 in the form of RB Leipzig star Sesko, who is the subject of a £65.3million bid from the Red Devils, which could rise to nearly £74m if certain add-ons are achieved. Premier League rivals Newcastle have also shown interest in the striker and have put forward a more lucrative proposal than United's, but the 22-year-old's preference is a move to Old Trafford. Sesko is currently training separately from his Leipzig colleagues, according to a statement released by his club, and while some have expressed doubts about his abilities and hefty price tag, his goal-scoring statistics speak for themselves. Over the last two seasons, no player under the age of 23 has scored more goals than Sesko in Europe's top five leagues, as he's netted 39 in just 87 matches, reports the Manchester Evening News. This puts him one goal ahead of Real Madrid and England sensation Jude Bellingham, and five goals ahead of Florian Wirtz, whose summer transfer to Liverpool could set a British record if certain add-ons are met. In fourth place on the list is Bayern Munich phenom Jamal Musiala, who has racked up 33 goals during this period, followed by PSG's Bradley Barcola and German ace Maximilian Beier on 26. Sesko's impressive goal-scoring record, outperforming some of Europe's top young talents, will be a welcome sound to Amorim's ears. It suggests that the 22-year-old won't be overwhelmed when he arrives in Manchester, and United are fully committed to Sesko, having already agreed personal terms with him. Current Red Devil Rasmus Hojlund, who also scored 26 goals during this period, underscores the gap between him and Sesko. Despite not being entirely goal-shy since his £72m move to Old Trafford in 2023, the Dane has struggled to meet high expectations. Now, it seems likely that Sesko will join United, and Hojlund is reportedly prepared for the possibility of being pushed out if the Slovenian signs. Just two seasons after his £72m transfer, Hojlund could be available for as little as £30m, less than half of what was originally paid for him. However, during United's pre-season tour of the US, Hojlund expressed optimism about his future, stating: "I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. "I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22 (like Erling Haaland). But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. "I'm starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it's just about for me to sharpen myself and I've done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that. "Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team."
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool handed Marc Guehi boost but transfer will only happen on one condition
Arne Slot has added plenty of talent to his Liverpool squad but the Reds continue to look short of options at the back with barely a week to go until the season starts Liverpool's hopes of landing Marc Guehi this summer have been boosted by rivals Newcastle turning their attentions elsewhere. However, a successful move for the England star would require a chance of approach from the Reds. Arne Slot's side have already seen two bids for Guehi knocked back by Crystal Palace. They have no plans to make a third, improved offer at this stage, and Palace don't look like budging on their valuation. Liverpool's decision to take a step back might have opened the door for Newcastle, who have themselves failed to land Guehi in the past. Now, though, it appears Malick Thiaw has jumped to the top of the queue for Eddie Howe's side. According to Sky Sport in Germany, Newcastle have made a written offer for Milan defender Thiaw. If accepted, it would see the Premier League side pay around £26million for the German international. Palace have demanded significantly more for Guehi, despite their captain only having a year left on his contract. Unless Liverpool decide to renew their interest and fork out close to £50m, the Eagles skipper may well stay at Selhurst Park for the upcoming campaign. Liverpool are limited in their centre-back options after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. The pressure may be eased a little if Ibrahima Konate extends his contract - currently due to expire in 2026 - but the Reds are still looking light. Captain Virgil van Dijk turned 34 in July, while Joe Gomez has played 30 league games in just one of the last five seasons. Wataru Endo has been given minutes at centre-back in pre-season, while there's the option of moving Andy Robertson inside after Milos Kerkez's arrival, but a new senior centre-back could yet arrive at Anfield. Ecuador international Joel Ordonez has been linked after impressing for Club Brugge, while Konstantinos Koulierakis and Giovanni Leoni have also been mentioned as potential options. Wolfsburg and Greece star Koulierakis is the oldest of the three at 21 years of age, though, raising questions over whether another older option might be needed. Liverpool have already spent more than £200m in other areas, including the additions of Kerkez and fellow full-back Jeremie Frimpong. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have arrived to bolster Slot's options in attack, with Mohamed Salah expected to miss some action during the Africa Cup of Nations, while Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among those to leave. Slot's team will take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday. Their league campaign begins just five days, with Bournemouth travelling to Anfield for the opening fixture.
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool's Alexander Isak transfer plan given £165m boost as he honours Newcastle request
Alexander Isak is having to train away from his Newcastle team-mates in the afternoon amid continued interest from Liverpool, who are in negotiations to see more players exit Anfield Liverpool target Alexander Isak arrived for Newcastle training after being told to train away from the first-team with the Reds' recent activity potentially funding their next bid for the Swede. Isak has made it known to the St James' Park hierarchy that he wants to explore a move away from the club and Anfield is seen as his likely destination. The striker missed the club's pre-season trip to Asia and Eddie Howe has taken a firm stance over his conduct. The frontman is not training with the first-team and has been told not to report in until later in the afternoon when his team-mates had left - which he duly did amid the ongoing speculation around his future. Isak recently took himself off to his former club Real Sociedad's training complex with the Newcastle manager only finding out via the media. He frustration was evident recently as he said: 'The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad and you have to act in the right way. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.' Liverpool's opening offer of £120million was turned down by Newcastle, who value Isak at £150m. Any move would need the Magpies to either lower their demands or force the Reds into smashing the British-record transfer for the second time in one summer. Arne Slot has already spent more than £200m with Florian Wirtz his marquee signing. Hugo Ekitike has also been signed as a No 9 but Isak is still being pursued to further compliment a frontline that includes Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Recent exits at Liverpool - with more potentially following - could yet fund a more for Isak and help keep Liverpool comfortably inline with the PSR regulations. Luis Diaz called time on his spell at Anfield by joining Bayern Munich with the German side paying £65.5m to land the Colombian. Darwin Nunez is expected to follow Diaz out the exit door and Al-Hilal have come forward and become the Uruguayan's likely destination. The Saudi Arabian side have expressed a willingness to pay £50m for the striker, who has fallen down the pecking order under Slot. The Liverpool manager could also see Harvey Elliott seek pastures new. The playmaker has admitted he will need to be "selfish" when it comes to his next move and his stock has risen after being named the best player at the U21 Euros this summer. A move, potentially to RB Leipzig, could bank the Reds £50m. All meaning they may pocket more than £150m from transfer exits in the space of two weeks. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
