Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly being played off against each other in a bizarre game of poker as they chase RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
As reported by Mail Sport, both clubs are working to sign the in-demand frontman but neither have been able to agree a deal. Newcastle tabled a club-record bid worth just under £70million, comprising £65.5m up front, but it is unlikely to be accepted.
That has left the door open for United, who have not made their first official offer.
Leipzig have an informal agreement in place to allow Sesko to go should they receive a suitable package from the right club, and talks were held with the Slovenian and his agent Elvis Basanovic over the weekend to discuss his next steps.
However, as of Monday lunchtime, there has been no concrete indication that Sesko has finally chosen his next destination. And in a bombshell development, German outlet BILD have even claimed that he has told both clubs he only wants to join them.
As a result, all parties are said to be looking to hurry the 22-year-old into making up his mind. Newcastle have set a strict deadline and want clarity today.
Benjamin Sesko has reportedly told Manchester United and Newcastle he wants to join them
Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new No 9 this summer and Sesko is United’s top target
Newcastle’s first official bid will be rebuffed and the club have set Sesko a strict deadline
Contact was made with his camp on Sunday but with the Premier League season kicking off a week on Saturday, the club may have to quickly shift their attention to other targets. Mail Sport understands PSG striker Goncalo Ramos is on their shortlist.
Sesko is said to not be fully convinced by the proposal from St James’ Park and BILD have reported that he is slightly favouring choosing United instead.
Regardless, there is still hope on Newcastle’s part and they are continuing to negotiate the make-up of a £70m package with Bundesliga giants Leipzig.
Newcastle are actively working to secure a potential successor to Alexander Isak, who has made it clear he wants to join Liverpool this summer. After a first bid worth £110m was rebuffed, the Swede returned to training with the Magpies on Monday.
Liverpool are expected to return with an improved offer but Newcastle are likely to only entertain allowing Isak to leave if they make progress on a replacement.
BILD have claimed that an official offer from United will only be tabled should Sesko reject Newcastle and commit solely to their project. However, it is said the striker also needs a guarantee that the cash-strapped Red Devils can afford the deal.
United’s interest has been fronted by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with Sesko at RB Salzburg and has described the 6ft 4in forward as having the potential to become one of the world’s top strikers.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has also made him a priority, despite having already brought in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to strengthen the attack.
There has been no confirmation from Sesko over which of the two clubs he will choose
Alexander Isak’s future is uncertain and Sesko was lined up as a potential replacement
United have already splashed the cash on forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha
Promising talent Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and has 16 goals in 41 senior international appearances for Slovenia.
Meanwhile, United chief executive Omar Berrada says the club are ‘working around the clock’ to strengthen the squad before the window closes.
‘We have to do a lot of multi-tasking. We have a team back home led by (director of football) Jason (Wilcox), the recruitment team, that is working around the clock to ensure we continue to find opportunities to strengthen our squad.
‘There are lots of late calls and early morning meetings to make sure that we stay on top of it. What we want to do is to win and to start winning titles as soon as possible. Adding players helps.
‘We have seen the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon. They have adapted really well.’
