Manchester United's transfer target Benjamin Sesko has reportedly been dropped from RB Leipzig's squad for today's friendly match against Atalanta.
The Slovenian is currently the subject of a bidding war between Ruben Amorim's team and Premier League competitors Newcastle United.
Sky Sports Germany journalist, Florian Plettenberg, reports that Sesko has already informed his RB Leipzig teammates of his impending departure amidst interest from England. Both United and the Magpies are said to be keen on signing him.
ChronicleLive and several other sources reported on Saturday that Newcastle have tabled a £65.5million bid for the striker, who boasts 41 international caps.
Eddie Howe's team have already missed out on several targets this summer, including Bryan Mbeumo, who sealed a move to Old Trafford. The alleged exclusion of Sesko marks the latest twist in the ongoing saga surrounding the 22-year-old, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Benjamin Sesko in action for RB Leipzig.
Benjamin Sesko has also been linked to Newcastle (Image: Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Plettenberg shared: "Benjamin #Sesko is not in the squad for RB Leipzig's friendly against Atalanta Bergamo today. Reason; His imminent departure from Leipzig.
"He has reportedly already told teammates that he will be leaving. Newcastle United and Manchester United are pushing to sign him, with an official offer worth €80m having been submitted by #NUFC."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe remained tight-lipped about specific transfer targets during a press conference on Saturday, but reiterated the club's ambition to strengthen their squad and become regular contenders in the Champions League.
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"I'm sorry to sound like a broken record, I'm aware of what is happening - but I am not dealing with it," Howe told ChronicleLive.
"I woke up today and had two training sessions then came straight here.
"I'm 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."