· 4 August 2025, 22:30
**Newcastle United have started to really push to get a deal done for 22-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, having made an improved offer to RB Leipzig.**
There had been rumours that Newcastle's initial bid had fallen short of what RB Leipzig were hoping for, but now The Athletic have reported that the Magpies have made an improved offer closer to €80 million (£69.6 million).
Craig Hope had reported earlier on Monday evening that Newcastle were stepping up their pursuit of Sesko as they seek a quick resolution to their striker saga.
Later on, David Ornstein confirmed the increased bid and added that there has still been no approach by Manchester United.
> [](https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1952474965267386773)
Positive talks have been held between Leipzig and Jamie Reuben today
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RB Leipzig are happy to deal with Newcastle, and it is believed that Sesko himself is keen on the move, and with no movement from Man United, this could go in Newcastle's favour, according to Ornstein.
> "EXCL: Newcastle United make improved bid to RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko. New offer worth at least €80m after positive talks between clubs & with 22yo striker. Nothing agreed but #RBLeipzig currently favour #NUFC + no #MUFC proposal yet."
It is believed that Man United would have to sell before they could buy Sesko, which, given that Newcastle have reportedly put a clock on their offer, could rule them out unless Sesko is determined to join Manchester United and is willing to pass up a move ot the Premier League and risk not moving at all while Man United scramble.
Man United's proposal is lower than Newcastle's bid
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Within Ornstein's report for [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6531675/2025/08/04/newcastle-sesko-leipzig-transfer-news-update/?source=emp_shared_article), he states that the figures Man United have indicated they'd be willing to pay for Sesko are in fact less than what Newcastle have offered.
It's still far from a done deal and Newcastle could still yet miss out on Sesko, but as things stand, the needle certainly seems to have moved in the Geordies' favour.
We may actually see some movement this week, all being well.