Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their interest to get one over Manchester United in the race for striker Benjamin Sesko in recent hours - with David Ornstein claiming that the Magpies have made another 'improved' bid to RB Leipzig for his services.
The club have missed out on various striker targets in recent times, notably Hugo Ekitike, who instead joined Liverpool. However, manager Eddie Howe has refused to give up on the race for a new talisman - and that has seen his side produce a new bid for Sesko as they bid to beat any competition for the Slovenian star.
Ornstein: Newcastle 'in Strong Position' to Land Sesko over Man Utd
The Magpies could finally sign a striker to join their ranks after months of searching
Benjamin Sesko in action for RB Leipzig
The report by Ornstein on X (formerly Twitter) states that the new offer from the Magpies is worth at least £68million, after positive talks between the clubs, as well as positive talks between Newcastle and Sesko.
Nothing has been agreed yet, but Leipzig currently favour a sale to Newcastle after United so far failed to make an approach.
Further to his post on X, Ornstein further writes in The Athletic that
Newcastle's opening bid was worth £68million, albeit that was inclusive of add-ons, deemed not good enough by the German club - and that has seen Newcastle raised that to £68million guaranteed.
That proposal hasn't been matched by United, and Ornstein believes the figures that the Red Devils have suggested for Sesko show that their bid would be lower than Newcastle's, at present.
Newcastle are now in a 'strong position' as things stand after a day of positive talks by co-woner Jamie Reuben, with both Leipzig and the former RB Salzburg man. There is no guarantee of a deal, which could still see Sesko stay at Leipzig, and his preference of where to move will be crucial. However, the Bundesliga club have no intention of settling for a low fee.
With 39 goals in 84 games for them at the age of just 22, Sesko is clearly a hot commodity in world football, and with both Newcastle and United desperate for a new frontman, it's a race that will hot up in the coming days and hours.