Newcastle United must capitalise on Manchester United's indecision as striker decision looms - opinion
Newcastle United are facing the very real possibility of losing on to Manchester United for three potential transfer targets this summer.
Regardless of how strong the interest was, Newcastle were linked with moves for both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who both chose a move to Old Trafford.
Now, as Newcastle look to bring in a new striker, Manchester United could prove to be a huge obstacle yet again as both clubs consider a move for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Newcastle know they are facing the very real prospect of losing Alexander Isak, but regardless of his future, the Magpies have been keen to bring in another top-quality striker with Champions League football ahead of them next season.
Manchester United aren't sure who they want to sign
There has been a lot of talk about Newcastle's 'preparing a bid' for Benjamin Sesko and being willing to go big to get a deal done, but it has been all talk with very little action that we can see.
Meanwhile, depending on where you're looking, Manchester United have either Sesko or Ollie Watkins at the top of their striker target list, and again, depending on the source, Sesko prefers a move to Manchester or Newcastle.
One thing that does seem to be reported solidly in The Athletic is that Man United haven't yet made up their mind whether they want Sesko or Watkins.
United narrowed their striker search to two names — Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko. They had been exploring a deal for Nicolas Jackson but have ruled out a move for the Chelsea striker due to the cost.
Sesko was an option United had held back from advancing, also due to the finances required, but talks have taken place to establish some details around a move. The same has occurred with Watkins.
United are still to determine who to pursue, although Ruben Amorim did confirm the Premier League experience of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo influenced their signings. “You watch Matheus every weekend doing things against the players that you are going to face,” Amorim said. “That can help you to have more certainty when you choose players.”
Newcastle can beat Man United to Sesko if they act fast
While Manchester United are tossing a coin to choose between the two, Newcastle need to act fast to take one of the options, and by that I absolutely mean Benjamin Sesko, off the table.
Not only that, but the Magpies should use that indecision on their pitch against the RB Leipzig man. Make it clear that he's not even Man United's first choice (I mean, obviously ignoring the fact that we've missed out on several strikers before we got to Sesko).
If Man United, who don't have European football next season, remember, still manage to beat us to the signing of Benjamin Sesko, look out for the NUFC Feed Copium Tent opening at STACK in the near future. A place to drink your sorrows away and moan about this summer, and to provide and take advantage of a sympathetic shoulder to cry on.
