Northern Ireland keeper from Class of '92 who turned down Manchester United: ‘I have no regrets'
While others at this year's SuperCup NI may have more high-profile family backgrounds, not least Manchester United's Kai Rooney, Pollock's father can boast a victory in the competition with probably its most famous set of alumni.
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Daily Mail
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Alan Shearer labels Newcastle's pre-season as a 'nightmare' after Benjamin Sesko chooses Man United over Champions League football - as pundit suggests possible reason behind his former club's lack of summer business
Alan Shearer has described Newcastle United 's summer as a 'nightmare' after the club missed out on top striker target Benjamin Sesko – with the Slovenian poised to join Manchester United even though the Magpies offered a higher transfer fee and the chance to play Champions League football. Although Sesko has not officially joined the Red Devils, Mail Sport understands that the 22-year-old is leaning heavily towards a move to Old Trafford. Man United 's offer to RB Leipzig — reported to be just under £74million — is slightly lower than Newcastle's improved bid of £78.2m, yet the player's preference appears clear. Speaking to Betfair, Newcastle legend-turned-pundit Alan Shearer delivered a scathing assessment of his former club's transfer window and questioned whether the lack of key personnel behind the scenes is hindering their business. 'It sounds as if Benjamin Sesko had two clubs to choose from in Newcastle and Man United,' said Shearer. 'One that won a trophy last year and is now playing Champions League football this season – and one that didn't win anything, finished 15th and had a dreadful season. 'I understand that Man United are a huge football club – not so much a huge football team at this moment in time. I get it. I understand it. It looks as if, by all accounts, he prefers a move to Man United. 'It's disappointing again from Newcastle, another target it looks like they're going to miss out on. And I said it about a week ago – it looks as if it's been a disastrous window for Newcastle.' It marks the latest setback in what has become a turbulent summer for Eddie Howe, whose squad is also dealing with the uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak. The striker has made clear his desire to join Liverpool and was left out of both training and a recent team family day amid concerns over his conduct. Newcastle rejected a £110m bid from Liverpool and remain determined not sell Isak until a replacement is secured — a plan now complicated by Sesko's stance. 'What should've been a brilliant window on the back of qualifying for the Champions League and winning their first trophy for so many years – it's turning out to be a nightmare pre-season at the moment,' Shearer added. 'They've got lots and lots of work to do to get ready for the season.' Newcastle have now missed out on a string of high-profile targets — including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro and James Trafford — and Shearer has suggested that problems behind the scenes could be contributing to the lack of progress. He went on: 'Why can't Newcastle get business done? I don't know whether it's to do with the fact they don't have a Chief Executive or Sporting Director. 'They've known for months now that the Chief Executive was leaving so I'm pretty surprised that one hasn't been announced as yet. 'The Sporting Director left a couple of months ago now and they've known that – so that's a big surprise that those spaces haven't been filled. 'Whether that has anything to do with Newcastle's lack of business and the number of players that have said no to them, I don't know. It's not a good look.' Meanwhile, Man United believe Sesko can be the centrepiece of a rebuilt attack under Ruben Amorim. Sesko scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig last season and has netted more times in Europe's top five leagues over the past two years than any other under-23 player – including Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz. Recruitment director Christopher Vivell – who previously brought Sesko to both Salzburg and Leipzig – has been instrumental in securing Man United's position as favourites, and personal terms between the player and the club are already said to be agreed.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd open transfer talks over 'unrealistic' move for Premier League star
Manchester United have made contact with Brighton as they look to land explore a deal for midfielder Carlos Baleba. The Cameroon star enjoyed a stellar year last season and the Seagulls have no plans to cash in. The Red Devils are aware the move may be unrealistic, especially if their transfer funds to end up being spent on Benjamin Sesko, but are looking to gauge whether anything can be done in the coming weeks as Ruben Amorim seeks to further bolster his squad, reports the Athletic. The 21-year-old has three years left on his contract at the Amex but is proving to be one of the Premier League's best in his position as Brighton continue to find hidden gems in the market. This time though they have no plans to cash in. Previously they've bought in the likes of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister before seeing them flourish and move on for a huge profit. This is not one of those scenarios though and those on the south coast want to retain Baleba. United's current focus is on landing Sesko from RB Leipzig after they jumped ahead of Newcastle in the transfer race. There is an acceptance though that any move, which could cost more than £70million, will make any move for the Brighton star very difficult. They would be reliant on a number of players leaving the club for sizeable fees. Amorim does have the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony looking for the exit door, but the trio remain at Old Trafford as things stand. A striker is currently the priority in Manchester, given they have already bought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. But if they can secure a No 9 then a midfielder capable of playing in the number six role is next on their hit list and Baleba has excelled in that position. Already this summer Brighton have allowed Joao Pedro to leave for Chelsea, banking them a hefty sum. The highly-rated Simon Adingra has also joined Sunderland for more than £20m, which means they have little need to sell, putting them in a strong position to retain Baleba. The Brighton star previously said on all the speculation surrounding him: "If they can help me, I'll accept that help to push forward and develop. So, I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future. In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it's not something that worries me or gets me excited. I just need to work hard and keep a cool head." 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.
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Rhyl Journal
Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko understood to favour Man Utd switch ahead of Newcastle
The 22-year-old striker has been the subject of a tug of a war as the Premier League sides attempt to bolster their attacks ahead of the new season. Newcastle made the first move and reacted to seeing an initial bid rebuffed by making an improved approach worth a reported 82.5million euros (£71.9m) plus 2.5m euros (£2.2m) in add-ons. Ruben Amorim's Red Devils were waiting in the wings and followed with a rival proposal worth 75m euros (£65.4m), plus a potential 10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, giving the player a decision to make. Manchester United believe Sesko's preference is to join them, PA understands, and are now looking to reach an agreement on terms with Leipzig. The Slovenia international, who scored 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions last term, has long been on the Red Devils' radar, stretching back to when he moved from Domzale to RB Salzburg in 2019. The Old Trafford outfit made him their priority over Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, having also been interested in Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike before their summer switches. Newcastle held an interest in the latter pair and missing out on Sesko would be another blow in a summer of gut punches as they struggle to improve their squad. A post shared by Benjamin Šeško (@benjaminsesko) The potential setback could also impact the situation with star man Alexander Isak. The Sweden international missed Newcastle's Asian tour with what the club called a 'minor thigh injury', but it soon emerged he was unsettled and training at former club Real Sociedad. Magpies boss Eddie Howe claimed he only found about Isak's whereabouts through the media, before the striker returned to Tyneside this week. The 25-year-old scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season and has a contract until 2028.
