Newcastle United transfer news as Benjamin Sesko's exit develops further after news of an opening bid.
Benjamin Sesko in action for RB Leipzig.
Newcastle United are set to compete with Man Utd for Benjamin Sesko's signature.
(Image: Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko has been excluded from RB Leipzig's squad for this afternoon's pre-season friendly against Serie A side Atalanta amid news of Newcastle United's bid.
The Magpies have tabled a £65.5million for the striker after Eddie Howe got the green light to make a move. Sesko is one of the centre-forwards on Newcastle's radar, but Manchester United are also keen.
It was previously understood that Man Utd was the striker's preference - but reports from Slovenia have indicated that a move to Newcastle is his priority.
Now, German journalist, Christian Falk, has reported that Sesko is not in Leipzig's squad for a friendly with Atalanta this afternoon. It's claimed that the reason behind his exclusion is due to his imminent departure.
Falk has said that Sesko has told his teammates in Germany that he will be leaving the club. It comes as a boost for Howe after missing out on a number of key targets including Bryan Mbeumo.
Howe has previously refused to be drawn in on specific transfer targets this summer.
"I am sorry to sound like a broken record, I am aware of what is happening but I am not dealing with it," Howe said.
"I woke up today and had two training sessions, then I came straight here.
"I am finding out what is happening after it has happened, so we will try to bring the best to the football club, I will make that clear, but I can't talk about individual targets."
Sesko's future could, potentially, have an impact on the future of Alexander Isak - after Liverpool failed in their first bid for the Sweden international.
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