Newcastle expect an answer from Benjamin Sesko as to whether he wants to join them within 48 hours, talkSPORT understands.
The Magpies are confident they can reach an agreement with RB Leipzig, but do not want the saga to drag on.
Sesko seems certain to leave RB Leipzig having scored 21 goals last season
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Sesko seems certain to leave RB Leipzig having scored 21 goals last season
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That is despite the Toon recently having a club-record offer for the 22-year-old turned down by the Bundesliga side over the weekend.
Eddie Howe‘s side submitted an offer of €75million (£65m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.
Leipzig ultimately knocked back the bid as they hold out for at least an initial £70m fee – and a future sell-on clause.
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It’s the same price that Leipzig quoted Arsenal earlier in the window.
As a result, the Gunners turned their attention to signing Viktor Gyokeres instead after sporting director Andrea Berta was unable to drive the price down.
Sesko has already told his Leipzig teammates he expects to leave this summer.
Manchester United are still in the mix for Sesko with Leipzig awaiting a formal offer for the Slovenia international.
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Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim has identified the youngster as a key target where he could spearhead United’s new-look attack alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
As reported earlier on Saturday by talkSPORT, United were willing to offer Rasmus Hojlund as a sweetener to land Sesko.
However, theDane does not want to make the move as he looks to fight for his career at United.
Sesko could move to either Newcastle or Manchester United this window
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Sesko could move to either Newcastle or Manchester United this window
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Though it is believed that United are ready to cash in on Hojlund, and would prepare to accepts bids of £30m – £42m less than what they paid for him from Atalanta in 2023.
Does Benjamin Sesko affect Alexander Isak’s future?
If Newcastle can complete the signing of Sesko it is believed they would be more open to selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
The champions had an offer in excess of £110m rejected for Isak last week.
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But they remain keen to sign him, with the Sweden international open to a potential switch to Anfield.
talkSPORT understands that Newcastle value Isak at around £150m – just three years after signing him from Real Sociedad for £63m.
More to follow…