Benjamin Sesko has offers from both Manchester United and Newcastle United
Benjamin Sesko
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United and Manchester United have both made their moves for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and the next 24 hours looks destined to define the entire transfer saga.
Newcastle have made it clear they want an answer imminently, with Eddie Howe attempting to get his squad settled ahead of the Premier League opener with Aston Villa in less than two weeks.
The Magpies have already tabled two bids for the 22-year-old, with their latest offer pushing close to £80m. The total package from the St James' Park outfit sits at €90m [£78.4m] with add-ons included.
As excitement grew over the Magpies finally winning a hotly-contested transfer battle this summer, Manchester United pounced with a slightly lesser offer of €85m [£74m] on Tuesday afternoon.
Leipzig are yet to approve or reject either bid. The Bundesliga outfit made a point of snubbing Newcastle's opening offer, asking for more of the payment up front.
The club agreed to raise their price and are willing to part ways with £69.7m up front, with a further £8.7m in additional fees.
Sesko himself is said to be open to joining either Premier League outfit. There is every chance Leipzig leave the decision up to the player.
The move for Sesko will also have a big impact on the future of Alexander Isak, with Newcastle reluctant to sanction his exit without a big-name replacement already brought in.
Liverpool are yet to return with an improved offer of their own for the Swedish striker, with his alternative exit options limited.
Isak has been back at the club's Benton base this week, with club medics assessing a minor thigh injury.
Howe's first-team squad will return to Darsley Park on Wednesday in preparation for a double-header at St James' Park this weekend.
By then, this bidding battle may already be decided as the Sesko chase reaches its end game for both interested parties...
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