Liverpool have been boosted by reports that Newcastle have bid £69.9 million for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
On Friday, Liverpool were rebuffed in their efforts to sign Magpies talisman Alexander Isak, seeing an offer in the region of £110 million rejected.
Some reports claimed that Liverpool wouldn’t table a second bid for the Swede, with nothing expected to happen until Newcastle sign a new striker to replace the Swede.
For that reason, the Reds will be hoping that happens as quickly as possible, and a positive update emerged from Sesko’s native Slovenia overnight.
According to journalist Jernej Suhadolnik for Delo, Newcastle have pipped Man United to the signing of RB Leipzig marksman Sesko.
The reliable David Ornstein, of The Athletic, has since reported that an offer worth £65.5 million plus £4.4 million in add-ons has been tabled.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - OCTOBER 23: Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC at Leipzig Stadium on October 23, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Hardt - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
• READ: Alexander Isak is “the best in the world” – he’s “completely unique”
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who is seen as a reliable source of Magpies news, has corroborated the “formal bid” for the Slovenian, which matches Leipzig’s valuation.
Sesko is described as “considering his situation,” amid rival interest from United, who are also prioritising a new No. 9 this summer.
The 22-year-old is “open” to joining both clubs, so it’s now a case of seeing if Leipzig and the player accept Newcastle‘s offer.
Sesko signing to unlock Isak transfer
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Tuesday November 5, 2024.
• READ: Eddie Howe discovered Isak’s whereabouts “through the media”
From Liverpool’s perspective, they will be hoping that Newcastle and Leipzig reach an agreement for the signing of Sesko as soon as possible.
That would surely have a huge knock-on effect in terms of the Reds’ pursuit of Isak, with the Magpies’ stance that they will not sell unless a top-level replacement is signed.
While some panicked when it was claimed that Liverpool wouldn’t make a second bid for the 25-year-old, it always felt as though they were being respectful to Newcastle.
If Sesko does opt to move to St James’ Park instead of United, that second bid is likely to arrive in speedy fashion for a player who has ostracised himself from Newcastle‘s squad.
Should Liverpool sign Isak, it will be the latest major piece of business in one of the most exciting summers in the club’s history.
Much like Florian Wirtz, he would be a game-changing addition, having scored 62 goals in 109 appearances in for Newcastle.
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