Man Utd initiate Benjamin Sesko talks despite Ruben Amorim transfer wish as potential conflict with Red Devils chiefs arises over striker hunt

Per The Athletic, United are prioritising a deal to sign Sesko from RB Leipzig this summer as they seek attacking reinforcements. Newcastle are also pushing for the striker, amid fears that they will lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool in a British-record transfer that could cost the Reds in excess of £120 million ($159m), and United are aware of the need to move quickly.

United have already signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer and Sesko is viewed as a priority over other potential targets, including Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Ruben Amorim's side have explored the conditions of a deal to sign the England international but Villa are insistent that he is not for sale. Nevertheless, manager Amorim would rather sign the Englishman, pertalkSPORT.

Watkins is seven years older than Sesko at 29, and had a somewhat worse campaign than the Slovenia international, scoring 17 goals in all competitions compared to Sesko's 21. Sesko signed a new deal last season and with it came the agreement that were a club to bid between €80m (£69m/$92m) and €90m (£78m/$103m), he would be allowed to leave. Arsenal deemed that price as prohibitively expensive earlier this summer, but both Newcastle and United view a deal as achievable.

United will hope to secure a deal for a new No.9 soon. They will want to have them in place for their blockbuster season opener against Arsenal on August 17.