Benjamin Sesko swap deal suspicions as Man Utd 'accept huge price drop'

Manchester United's interest in striker Benjamin Sesko has led to speculation of a swap deal involving Rasmus Hojlund. RB Leipzig star Sesko has emerged as Ruben Amorim's top forward target this summerahead of Ollie Watkins.

Sesko has long been admired by the Red Devils, catching their eye even before his move to Red Bull Salzburg. Now, having set the Bundesligaalight at 22 with Leipzig, the club are reportedly in for him once again.

Talks are supposedly underway, and a fee in the region of £70million has been mooted as the Slovenian superstar's price tag. United already spent big on a No. 9 when they signed Danish ace Hojlund from Atalanta in 2023, and it is now suggested that the 22-year-old could be included in a potential swap deal at a dramatically cut price.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim given food for thought by Man Utd star he made sharp U-turn over

READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko solves Man Utd problem that had Alan Shearer seething long before Ruben Amorim

The Athletic report that Leipzig are one of several parties interested in taking on the out-of-sorts Hojlund, and the prospect of some form of swap deal including Sesko has been raised, though it looks unlikely at this stage.

Although the 22-year-old cost the Red Devils £72m, they would have to fork out a cash sum alongside their player to secure Sesko's services in any potential swap deal.

The report states that United acknowledges internally that Hojlund's market value would be nowhere near what they paid for him and currently stands a little under £45m. This is a drop of £27m in just two years since his big-money move to Old Trafford.

In light of Sesko becoming United's top striker target and competition for minutes potentially becoming scarce, Hojlund was questioned about his Old Trafford future and responded bullishly.

The Dane claimed he wishes to remain in Manchester and grapple with any prospective recruit for gametime, making any swap deal unlikely, unless United wish to cash in on a star whose worth has plummeted.

"I think the most important thing for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we'll see what happens," declared Hojlund.

"I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22.

"Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22 (like Erling Haaland). But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game.

"I'm starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it's just about for me to sharpen myself and I've done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that.

"Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team."

United are believed to be Sesko's priority over Newcastle but a deal is far from a foregone conclusion. Leipzig want a fee of around £65m, plus add-ons and a sell-on percentage for the Slovenian star.

Amorim will likely have to sell before United can make a big enough offer to tempt the Bundesliga side. Hojlund has not been told he is up for sale and United could raise funds for Sesko through the sales of Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, who are all being linked with moves away for significant fees.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. 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.