Man Utd leave Alan Shearer red-faced again as Benjamin Sesko transfer takes huge twist

Alan Shearer looks to have been left red-faced again after Benjamin Sesko snubbed Newcastle in favour of a move to Manchester United. Magpies legend Shearer claimed at the end of last season that the Red Devils would struggle to attract the game's top stars after missing out on Champions League football.

This is a theory that has already been proven wrong by United's acquisition of several in-demand players this summer. Sesko, 22, has now become the latest player to turn down Newcastle, who are in the Champions League this season, after they bid twice for the RB Leipzig striker, leaving Shearer embarrassed all over again.

Newcastle's second offer totalling £78million was accepted by the German side earlier this week. However, all parties are now fully aware of the Slovenian's preference to move to Old Trafford after Ruben Amorim's side offered a package worth up to £73.8m, with personal terms thought not to be an issue.

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READ MORE: Man Utd's private Benjamin Sesko admission speaks volumes after making first bid

Sesko's move heralds part-two of an epic climb-down for Shearer. After United's 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final, and their 15th placed finish in the Premier League, the ex-England forward claimed they would find it tough to shop at the highest level.

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, contrary to Shearer’s opinion, it seems Sesko has not been put off by the lack of European football on offer at United. While United have stolen a march on Sesko, the Red Devils also wrestled Matheus Cunha from the north east club's grasp earlier in the summer transfer window, while Bryan Mbeumo also spurned the Toon for Old Trafford.

Despite signingAnthony Elanga for £55m from Nottingham Forest and securing Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan, Sesko is not the only player to turn down Newcastle boss Eddie Howe this summer. French striker Hugo Ekitikejoined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt after interest from the Magpies.

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford later signed for Manchester City after being eyed by Howe. Both Ipswich's Liam Delap and Brighton's Joao Pedro, who were fancied by Newcastle, joined Chelsea.

Matters could yet worsen for the club with Liverpool thought to be preparing a second offer for Isak after their opening bid of £110m, inclusive of add-ons, was rejected.

Shearer is also facing another humiliating back-track on that matter too after stating that Isak would be staying at Newcastle next season. This came before the Sweden international communicated his intentions to the Newcastle board that he wishes to play his football elsewhere.

England international and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, 29, could now be an option for Newcastleafter reported interest last month, as their need for a quality forward has intensified.

Speaking on Isak's uncertain future, Howe said: "I wouldn't put a timescale on it. I think with these situations, it has to be right for the football club, and everything then is taken into context below that. The manager of course has an opinion, but ultimately the decision will rest with the board."

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