Man Utd and Newcastle in NEW transfer battle: Sesko joined by Real Madrid ace in tug-of-war

Robin Bairner

Updated: 1 Aug 2025 12:53 BST
4 min read

Benjamin Sesko, Man Utd, Newcastle — © IMAGO

Manchester United and Newcastle are set to go head-to-head on a number of deals in the closing weeks of the transfer market, with the Premier League giants becoming familiar foes before the season even begins.

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Both clubs are in the hunt to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with no clear favourite emerging in that race.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd want to show Sesko that they are ‘serious’ about a deal but equally Newcastle have the money ready to bid for a player they have lined up as an alternative to Alexander Isak.

Current ETV

Benjamin Sesko

F (C)

RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko

F (C)

RB Leipzig

ETV Range

€62.7M - €76.6M

Andriy Lunin targeted

But Sesko is not the only player both teams want. At the other end of the park, they are both eyeing Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, according to Fichajes.

Manchester United’s interest in a goalkeeper is well publicised. Emi Martinez of Aston Villa was a target earlier this summer, while the Red Devils have also been linked with PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. FootballTransfers’ information is that no contact has been made with the Italian, and they are instead tracking Manchester City's Stefan Ortega.

On the other hand, Newcastle’s interest is somewhat more surprising given the solid displays of Nick Pope.

© IMAGO - Andriy Lunin in Real Madrid action

In any case, the Spanish source reports that Real Madrid are unwilling to sell the 26-year-old, who is said to be “comfortable” at being second choice in the Spanish capital.

Eddie Howe’s side had tried previously to sign him on loan following their League Cup triumph but Los Blancos knocked back the bid and have maintained that stance.

“Real Madrid aren’t considering his departure anytime soon, especially given his performance in key moments when Thibaut Courtois was out due to injury,” it claims.

The report indicates, however, that a transfer is not impossible. Persistent pressure from the Premier League teams could serve to convince either Real Madrid to sell or Lunin to move, it is claimed.

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