Man Utd's £65m Sesko Bid Could Spark Liverpool Midfield Exodus

Manchester United could play a major role in shaping Liverpool's summer transfer plans if they succeed in landing Benjamin Sesko . The Red Devils are in advanced talks to sign the RB Leipzig striker and look set to pip Newcastle to his signature.

They have reportedly submitted a £65.2million bid for Sesko, which could potentially rise to £73.8m with add-ons. It falls a little short of Newcastle's bid - £69.7m up front, potentially rising to £75m with add-ons - which has been accepted by Leipzig.

However, Ruben Amorim's side are confident of winning the race, with reports suggesting the 22-year-old Slovenian favours a move to Old Trafford over St James' Park. If they do, it would mark a major coup for a club who finished 15th in the Premier League last season - and yet another setback for Newcastle, who have already missed out on several high-profile attacking targets this summer.

But the impact of this transfer won't be limited to Manchester United and Newcastle - Liverpool could also feel the ripple effects. Once Sesko is sold, RB Leipzig will be left somewhat short in attack and are expected to move swiftly in the transfer market for reinforcements.

High on their wishlist is Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott , whose future at Anfield remains uncertain after spending much of last season on the bench. Elliott is being considered as a direct replacement for Xavi Simons - currently in talks over a move to Chelsea - but Sesko's departure could further accelerate Leipzig's push for attacking additions.

Elliott is capable of playing in multiple position across midfield and in wide attacking areas - making him an attractive prospect. That said, he won't come cheap.

According to The Athletic , Liverpool have told Leipzig they want at least £40m plus a buy-back clause for the 22-year-old, and will only drop said clause if they receive an offer in excess of £50m. The Reds aren't the only ones Leipzig will need to convince either. Elliott has previously expressed a desire to stay and fight for his place at Anfield, describing Liverpool as "my club".

"I'm not leaving. This is my team, this is my club," he said back in January. "Liverpool is my club... I want to fight for my place... Help the team out... I am not going to give up, I am going to keep fighting."

Saying that, his stance appears to have softened after failing to break into Slot's first team. In June, the midfielder admitted he was wary of "wasting years of my career", having made just seven starts in all competitions under the Dutchman.

"It's just a situation that me and the team have to have a conversation about because I'm coming into an age now where I'm 22, I'm going to be 23 next season," Elliott said. "I don't really want to be wasting years on my career because it's a short career. You don't know what's going to happen.

"I need to reflect. I need to see if I'm content in doing what I'm doing and how can I can improve as a player because that's the most important thing."

He clarified: "Nothing makes me want to leave. I love the club, I love the fans, the team. I support them as well. But as I said, most importantly, it's just about what's best for my career."

Previously, Elliott looked set to become a key figure at Liverpool. During Jurgen Klopp's final two years in charge, he made 99 appearances in all competitions - missing just 11 games. Still, Klopp said he regretted not starting Elliott more often.

"If I regret one thing a little bit it's that Harvey didn't play often enough maybe," the German said in May 2024. "Because in a very important, intense period - January, a lot of injuries - he played really good. He was probably our best player, right wing, right midfield, all these kinds of things."

A reunion of sorts with Klopp could be on the cards if Elliott makes the switch to Leipzig. Earlier this year, the former Liverpool manager took on a new role as Head of Global Football at Red Bull , overseeing the group's network of clubs - including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and the New York Red Bulls - where he provides strategic guidance to sporting directors, coaches, and scouting departments.

Klopp's presence alone could make Leipzig an appealing destination for Elliott. But the Bundesliga club's strong reputation for developing young talent - and reviving the careers of players who've lost their way - adds further weight to the move.