Manchester United have identified RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko as their primary attacking reinforcement for the summer transfer window.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have established contact with the Bundesliga club regarding the 22-year-old Slovenian international.
Initial discussions have taken place between the clubs, with Leipzig valuing their striker at approximately £60-70 million plus additional payments.
United representatives have reached out through intermediaries to explore the financial parameters of a potential agreement.
Benjamin Sesko has become United's top target amid a transfer battle with Newcastle
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The Premier League side sent a delegation to Germany for preliminary negotiations, according to reports.
Formal talks have commenced, though an official bid has yet to be submitted for the 6ft 5in forward.
United's pursuit of Sesko represents a strategic shift away from their initial interest in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.
The Red Devils explored a £45 million proposal for the England international, but Villa firmly rejected any possibility of negotiations.
The Midlands club's reluctance to sell would have required a substantially increased offer to change their position.
At 29, Watkins would have provided manager Ruben Amorim with proven Premier League experience, complementing the club's recent acquisitions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for over £130 million.
However, concerns about limited resale value for the Villa striker influenced United's decision to redirect their focus towards the younger Sesko.
Technical director Christopher Vivell has emerged as the driving force behind United's interest in Sesko, leveraging his previous employment at both Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg.
Vivell is credited with initially scouting the striker when he was just 16 years old.
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United and Newcastle are both keen on Benjamin Sesko
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The Slovenian international has compiled an impressive record of 39 goals across 87 appearances for Leipzig since arriving from Salzburg two years ago.
His physical presence at 6ft 5in would add a significant aerial threat to United's attacking options.
Sesko's pace has also caught attention, with the striker recording a top speed of 35.69 km/h in the Bundesliga last season, ranking him among the competition's fastest players.
Newcastle United have emerged as serious competitors for Sesko's signature, particularly if Alexander Isak departs for Liverpool.
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Ollie Watkins is also on United's shortlist
| ReutersThe Magpies have engaged with both Leipzig and the player's representatives about a potential move to St James' Park.
Despite Newcastle's interest, sources suggest Sesko would favour a switch to Old Trafford if presented with a choice between the two clubs.
Leipzig maintain an informal understanding with the striker that would permit his departure to an elite club for approximately £70 million.
Both Premier League sides are optimistic the German club might accept offers within the £60-70 million range, though Leipzig's initial valuation reaches up to €90 million (£78 million).