Benjamin Sesko 'decision' proves Alan Shearer's Manchester United suspicions were wrong

Benjamin Sesko 'decision' proves Alan Shearer's Manchester United suspicions were wrong

A lack of European football does not seem to have put off RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who is said to be favouring a move to Manchester United over Newcastle United

Benjamin Sesko is said to be favouring a move to Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Benjamin Sesko could leave Alan Shearer red-faced as he weighs up a move to Manchester United.

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The RB Leipzig forward has been strongly linked with both the Red Devils and Newcastle United. Sesko, who carries a £64million price tag, looks Premier League-bound following Leipzig's failure to secure Champions League qualification.

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United will be completely shut out from European competition this season after losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Following that match, Shearer launched a scathing attack on Ruben Amorim and his squad, condemning their approach and the club's overall direction.

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The Newcastle legend was convinced United would find it impossible to lure elite talent without the attraction of Champions League participation. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: "They're going to have to recruit very well because clearly a lot of these players are not good enough or not suited to that style of play.

"They're a million miles off it on and off the pitch and I don't know how they get out of this. How do they attract top players this summer and are they even going to be able to pay for them now they're not in the Champions League? Why would big players want to go there?"

However, it seems Sesko has not been put off by United's lack of European football amid reports he is favouring a move to Old Trafford over Newcastle, who have qualified for UEFA's top club competition.

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Alan Shearer will be left with egg on his face if Sesko joins United (Image: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Premier League)

According to Sky in Germany, Sesko has reacted positively to United's interest. Amorim has already strengthened his forward line this summer with moves for Bryan Mbeumo – who also picked them over a club playing in the Champions League, having had his former manager Thomas Frank interested in taking him to Tottenham – and Matheus Cunha, but the United boss still wants to add more firepower to his squad.

Newcastle remain in contention for the 22-year-old Sesko's signature. The Magpies' need for a quality striker has become more urgent after Alexander Isak made it clear he is open to leaving amid interest from Liverpool.

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Meanwhile, with United looking to offload players as well as add new recruits, Amorim has warned that wantaway stars won't be allowed to leave on the cheap. Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were left out of the tour of the United States and have been training at Carrington instead.

Alejandro Garnacho is among the United players who have been left at home (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

United’s recent transfer dealings have been widely criticised but Amorim said chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox would not be taken advantage of just to get rid of those surplus to requirements.

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“I know for a fact that these people, Omar and Jason, and the club have a number (price) for these players. If they don’t reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that,” said the United boss.

“I understand clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise and I’m ready. I’m ready to receive the players.”

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