Man Utd chief 'fuelling' Benjamin Sesko transfer has already gone public with reason

Manchester United identifying Benjamin Sesko as their priority transfer target comes as no surprise if you recall what Christopher Vivell has already said about the RB Leipzig striker. Vivell, who became United's director of recruitment earlier this year, has played a crucial role in Sesko's career so far and wants to reunite at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils chief, who joined Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new-look hierarchy after leaving Chelsea, spent seven years in the Red Bull structure. He was head of recruitment at RB Salzburg when the Austrian club signed Sesko as a 16-year-old from Slovenian outfit NK Domzale.

Vivell later became Leipzig's technical director and played a crucial role in sealing the pre-agreement to sign Sesko in 2023.

Now, according to The Athletic, the 38-year-old has been highly influential in United's attempts to lure him to M16 this summer.

Ruben Amorim is believed to have preferred Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who would continue his Premier League-proven recruitment strategy.

But Vivell has advocated for Sesko, who would cost more and represent a higher risk while offering a world-class option if he meets his potential.

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United director of football Jason Wilcox has sided with Vivell, sparking the club's push to beat Newcastle United to the 22-year-old's signature.

Vivell's admiration of Sesko is no secret. In May, he raved about the Slovenia international to the Bundesliga website.

"Benjamin Sesko is among the game's top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player," Vivell explained.

"He has all the qualities to do that. He's extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air.

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"Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who, despite his 1.95m (6'4"), is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile."

Given Vivell's glittering assessment, United's desire to make Sesko the spearhead of Amorim's team comes as no surprise.

It's not a straightforward deal to do. Leipzig are demanding a guaranteed fee worth £64million plus add-ons and a percentage of a future sale.

While Newcastle are reportedly ready to meet those demands and improve a disastrous summer so far, United are more limited.

Sesko is expected to decide on his next club in the coming days.