EXCLUSIVE: Watkins keen on cut-price United move
Ollie Watkins is ready to step into the void if Man Utd are unable to lure Benjamin Sesko to the club.
Newcastle have launched a £78m bid to try to beat United to the Slovenia international, with RB Leipzig now keen to do business with the Toon.
And there is growing scepticism in Germany that PSR-stricken Man Utd will come in with an offer to compete with Eddie Howe’s side, who have the advantage of being able to attract a nine-figure fee for Alexander Isak.
SunSport understands that following interest from Arsenal in January, Watkins feels the time is right to leave Villa Park.
And his wishes may overlap with Aston Villa’s, who also face a battle to keep their summer spending within PSR limits.
Why United should SCRAP Benjamin Sesko transfer
Man Utd chiefs are “working around the clock” to give Ruben Amorim the tools he needs to fix the club.
But as Amorim and Co landed back home on Monday after their promising US tour ended with a reality check in the Big Peach, one pressing thought dominated.
Should United chief executive Omar Berrada be prioritising a new No.9 and looking to spend £70million-plus on Benjamin Sesko?
Al-Nassr make Greenwood enquiry
Saudi Pro League Side Al-Nassr recently made an enquiry about Marseille striker Mason Greenwood, according to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.
The French side are not willing to sell as things stand. It is currently unclear if Al-Nassr will persist with their interest.
Man Utd have a 50 per cent sell-on clause for any deal.
Antony desperate for Betis
Antony still has his heart set on re-joining Real Betis.
The wantaway Man Utd star enjoyed a successful loan spell at Manuel Pellegrini’s Conference League finalists last season.
But Betis are struggling to find the funds needed to bring Antony back.
Talks remain ongoing and all parties hope a deal can be struck.
Rashford’s home Barcelona debut delayed
Marcus Rashford’s home debut for Barcelona has been moved to a stadium with an incredibly small capacity.
Rashford and the La Liga giants will take on former Barca star Cesc Fabregas’ Como in a Joan Gamper Trophy showdown on Sunday night.
Barca had hoped to stage the match in the new-and-improved Nou Camp but had those hopes dashed by the city council last month.
The Estadi Lluis Companys, where Barca played their home games last season, was seemingly the logical venue to host the match.
But the stadium is unable to stage the game due to obligations to host a number of concerts.
So that has paved the way for the city’s 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium, the home of Barcelona’s women’s team, to host the match.
Newcastle make improved Sesko offer
Newcastle have made an improved £70million-plus offer to beat Manchester United to Benjamin Sesko.
The Magpies have earmarked the RB Leipzig hitman as a replacement for wantaway striker Alexander Isak.
But they know the Red Devils are also lurking as Ruben Amorim attempts to totally revamp his front line.
Newcastle had a club-record for the Slovenia international, who bagged 21 goals and six assists last season, knocked back last week.
But, having reportedly received encouragement from the player, Toon chiefs have now followed up with a bigger offer of around £70million plus £8.4million in add-ons.
United are yet to bid for Sesko despite reports the striker has also suggested he would be willing to join.
And Newcastle are keen to get an answer one way or another within the next 24 hours, so they can push ahead with alternative plans if Sesko is determined to join Man Utd.
The Toon have also been buoyed by RB Leipzig’s response, with David Ornstein claiming the German side would prefer Sesko moves to Newcastle at this stage.
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