Manchester United and Newcastle United have both submitted offers for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, according to a report published on 6 August by German tabloid Bild.
United are said to have tabled an €85 million (£73.9m) bid for the 22-year-old Slovenia international on Tuesday, shortly after Newcastle reportedly increased their own offer initially €80 million on 3 august to match United’s figure with bonuses included.
Sesko enjoyed a mixed campaign last season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists for Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Despite his club’s underwhelming performance, he has impressed on the international stage, netting 16 goals in 41 appearances for Slovenia.
He was withdrawn from Leipzig’s pre-season friendly against Atalanta on 3 August, a match the German side lost 2–1, with sporting director Marcel Schaefer confirming the striker was left out “due to very concrete interest from several clubs”.
United are in the midst of a squad overhaul after suffering their worst top-flight season in 51 years and losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final. They have already signed forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer, and Sesko’s potential arrival may cast doubt over the future of Rasmus Højlund. Reports suggest the Danish striker could be sold for €35 million less than half of the fee United paid Atalanta for him in 2023.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are preparing for their return to the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League. However, they are also facing the possible departure of key forward Alexander Isak, who is reportedly being targeted by Liverpool.