Newcastle United have submitted a formal offer to RB Leipzig for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, as the Magpies look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
According to transfer experts David Ornstein , the bid is worth €75 million (£65.5m) plus €5 million (£4.3m) in add-ons — meeting Leipzig’s valuation of the 21-year-old. Newcastle have already outlined their project to the player and are pushing to seal a deal.
Sesko, who remains a top target for Manchester United, is currently weighing his options. The player is said to be open to both projects, with United also in the mix despite ongoing efforts to balance their squad through player sales.
While United were initially expected to sell before buying, reports suggest they could move for Sesko before making major outgoings, as long as sales are completed before the transfer window closes. RB Leipzig, meanwhile, are reportedly interested in a loan deal for United striker Rasmus Højlund and have explored the conditions of a potential move.
Newcastle Braced for Second Liverpool Offer for Isak
The Sesko pursuit comes as Newcastle prepare for a potential second bid from Liverpool for Alexander Isak. Head coach Eddie Howe confirmed that the club rejected an initial offer from the Reds but remains unsure about what might follow.
Liverpool’s opening offer was understood to be worth £110 million including add-ons, but it fell short of Newcastle’s £120 million valuation.
“From my situation, I’m very much removed from what’s happening back home,” Howe said during a press conference in South Korea ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Tottenham.
“I was made aware of a bid yesterday and that it was turned down before I even heard about it. People back in England are handling that situation.”
Howe stressed his support for Isak and expressed hope that the Swedish forward would remain at the club.
“We still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again,” he added. “There’s always going to be talk, but the reality is we’ve only had one bid so far, and it was rejected. What happens next is anyone’s guess.”
Howe: “We’re Only Looking for the Best”
The Newcastle boss also addressed the club’s summer transfer activity, admitting it has been a challenging window. The Magpies have missed out on several targets, including Liam Delap, João Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and James Trafford, and have now encountered difficulties in their pursuit of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
With Callum Wilson leaving earlier this summer and only Will Osula available as a recognised striker on their pre-season tour of Asia, Newcastle are under pressure to reinforce their front line.
“We’re looking for the best players we can get, regardless of the position,” said Howe. “It’s always been about quality over quantity for us, and that won’t change.”
“It’s been a tough window for different reasons — missed targets, fierce competition — but we’re still in the market and doing everything we can to bring top players to the club before the window shuts.”