Manchester United, Newcastle Battle for Leipzig Striker Sesko

Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly in a bidding war for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, according to German outlet Bild, Sport360NG reports.

The Red Devils are said to have tabled a bid of €85 million (£73.9 million) on Tuesday for the highly-rated 22-year-old, shortly after Newcastle made a similar offer. The Magpies had initially submitted a €80 million proposal over the weekend before raising it to match United’s on Monday, including performance-related bonuses.

Sesko, who netted 13 goals and registered five assists in the Bundesliga last season, is also a regular for Slovenia with 16 goals in 41 international appearances. The striker was notably left out of Leipzig’s recent friendly against Serie A side Atalanta amid increasing speculation over his future. Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schaefer confirmed the player was omitted due to “very concrete interest from several clubs.”

Manchester United are looking to revamp their attacking options following a disappointing campaign, their worst in over five decades, culminating in a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. They’ve already secured the signings of forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer.

Sesko’s potential arrival at Old Trafford could cast doubt over the future of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled to impress since his big-money move from Atalanta in 2023. Reports suggest United may consider offloading Hojlund for around €35 million, significantly less than they originally paid.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are preparing for a return to Champions League football after finishing fifth last season. However, they may be forced to find a replacement for Alexander Isak, who has been linked with a possible move to Premier League champions Liverpool.