Latest Newcastle United transfer news and gossip as RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko continues to be linked with a move to St James' Park
Benjamin Sesko has been linked with a move to Newcastle
Benjamin Sesko has been linked with a move to Newcastle
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United have been sent an update regarding Benjamin Sesko's future at RB Leipzig. The Magpies have a strong interest in trying to sign Sesko this summer, but will have to battle Manchester United for his signature.
Eddie Howe's side have made a £65.5million bid over the weekend for Sesko, with some reports later claiming the offer fell short of Leipzig's valuation of the Slovenia international, while others claim it's to do with the structuring of the payment.
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal were also reported to be in talks to sign Sesko from Leipzig, before turning their attention to signing Viktor Gyokeres instead. The Saudi Pro League has also been mentioned as a potential destination for Sesko, but now it seems it's a battle between Newcastle and Man United to sign the striker.
The Magpies have until September 1 to complete a deal for Sesko, but it seems that the latest update suggests that Man United will offer a threat to their chances of securing a transfer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Sesko is yet to make a decision about his future, despite Newcastle submitting a formal offer. Romano went on to explain the Magpies may have to be wary when it comes to interest from the Red Devils in signing their transfer target.
"Newcastle sent a bid and there is a negotiation ongoing with RB Leipzig, Newcastle are ready to pay what it takes to RB Leipzig," said Romano on his latest YouTube video posted on Saturday.
"I repeat what I told you earlier: This depends on Sesko. When Sesko says, 'I want to go to this club', this story will take a clear direction.
"But the bids at the moment are not going to make a difference because Newcastle are going to pay what is needed if Sesko decides to join them and Man United are ready to bid and start a negotiation if Sesko decides to join them, so this depends on Sesko.
"It's late night on Saturday, the night between Saturday and Sunday and Sesko at the moment, he has still not decided. From now on, we are entering into really important stages.
"I can add two more factors to this story, two small details. The first one: the agent of Sesko is now in Leipzig to speak directly with the player and also to help negotiations with RB Leipzig.
"But he is now with the player, and so we are now entering into decision time with Sesko. He travelled there today after he closed another deal in the last 24/48 hours. So now full focus is on the Sesko decision.
"And then another factor: Man United made clear to RB Leipzig again on Saturday night that they will send a bid for Benjamin Sesko if the player will open the door to joining them.
"So Newcastle already put the money on the table, but since last week, they told Leipzig, 'We are ready, we will pay. They told the agent, 'We are ready, we will pay. '
"Now Man United, after contact made a few days ago, told again tonight RB Leipzig, 'We are prepared to come and bid for Sesko'. It's like saying, 'We are also here, it's not just Newcastle putting the money on the table'.
"Newcastle are paying whatever it takes, and so obviously, financially, it's a different proposition. But Man United are prepared to open talks. They are prepared to enter in the scene and prepared to bid, but if Sesko decides to join them.
"Obviously, United feel Sesko is still deciding, has not decided to go to Newcastle. Twenty-four hours ago, some reports from Sesko were mentioning he has decided to go to Newcastle.
"Sesko has not decided yet, it is still 50/50, but United made new contact with Leipzig, and so this story is absolutely open."
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