Benjamin Sesko
IMAGE CREDITS: GETTY IMAGES
Benjamin Sesko continues to be linked with a move to Newcastle United as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak.
It was reported that Newcastle expect a response from Sesko within 48 hours regarding whether he wants to join the club.
The Magpies are keen to sign the 22-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United.
Eddie Howe’s side submitted a bid of €75million (£65 million) plus €5million (£4.3 million) in add-ons.
Leipzig ultimately turned down the offer as they are holding out for at least an initial £70million fee, along with a future sell-on clause.
It is believed that Sesko has already informed his Leipzig teammates that he expects to leave this summer.
Last season, he scored 21 goals in all competitions, bringing his total to 39 goals in 87 matches across his two years at Leipzig.
Sesko missed RB Leipzig’s pre-season friendly defeat to Atalanta on Saturday amid expectations of his departure.
Marcel Schafer, RB Leipzig’s managing director for sport, confirmed on Saturday that several clubs have made inquiries about Sesko.
“We won’t go into detail on that but when I say that several clubs have shown strong interest and have made approaches, it’s obvious what has happened,” he said.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle are tonight pushing ahead to agree a deal with Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko after being given encouragement that the striker wants to join.
Newcastle want to bring in a new forward ahead of the season opener at Aston Villa next week Saturday.
Arsenal had been keeping tabs on Sesko before completing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, who had admired Sesko for several years, chose to sign Liam Delap and Joao Pedro instead this summer.
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