BENJAMIN SESKO has decided to join Newcastle over Manchester United, according to reports.
The RB Leipzig striker has been at the centre of a fierce transfer battle between the Premier League clubs, with both sides identifying the 22-year-old as a key summer target.
GettyBenjamin Sesko has reportedly decided to join Newcastle from RB Leipzig this summer[/caption]
But it is Newcastle who have allegedly won the war, according to reports in Slovenia.
According to Delo, Sesko has decided to join Eddie Howe‘s side, with the Magpies beating off strong competition from Old Trafford to land one of Europe‘s most promising young stars.
Sesko reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement in place with Leipzig and they will not stand in his way should an appropriate offer arrive.
Both clubs have held talks with Sesko’s representatives and it is understood that while Man Utd are keen to sign him, it will not be a simple deal to do financially.
Newcastle offer the prospect of Champions League football, while Ruben Amorim’s side have no European football at all this season.
Sesko, who was also linked with Arsenal, has scored 39 goals in 87 games for RB Leipzig since joining from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago.
It is understood that Newcastle will be expected to pay Leipzig over £70m plus add-ons.
Man Utd’s interest was led 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.
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But Sesko is now said to have chosen Newcastle — a decision that may be closely tied to the uncertain future of Alexander Isak.
And if Sesko does indeed move to Tyneside, it leaves the door open for Newcastle to let Isak move on for what will surely be a Premier League transfer record.
Isak has been left sweating on his dream move to Liverpool after the Premier League champions lowballed Newcastle with an opening offer.
Liverpool had a formal bid of £110million rejected by Newcastle, going in with a figure £10million less than what they had offered informally last month.
Newcastle have slapped a whopping £150million price tag on their prized asset Isak, who scored 23 Prem goals last season.
Newcastle have made clear that no sale will go ahead unless a suitable replacement is secured – and Sesko has long been top of their wishlist.
Manager Howe says Newcastle will always try do things “the right way” when it comes to transfers.
He told The Mail: “In terms of trying to upset players and all that kind of stuff, from my perspective, we can only talk about our conduct.
“We try to do things in the right way. Signing players is always complex. We just try to do what we think is right. I can’t talk about other clubs, that’s not for me to say.”
Arne Slot‘s side had hijacked Newcastle’s move for Hugo Ekitike, who they signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79million last month.
Isak is believed to be pushing for a move and has been training alone at former club Real Sociedad, having pulled out of the Magpies’ pre-season tour with an apparent thigh issue.
Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and has 16 goals in 41 senior appearances for Slovenia.
He has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland for his blend of height, pace and finishing — and is seen by Newcastle as a ready-made replacement for Isak.
But Man Utd could be forced to go back to the drawing board in their quest to find a prolific No9.
Amorim’s side struggled badly in front of goal last season and were hoping Sesko would be the final piece in a new-look forward line.
Newcastle were worried about losing out on Sesko, so shifted their attentions to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins this week.
Newcastle have also been in talks with Brentford to sign Yoane Wissa, but Sesko will be the priority now.
Sesko and Watkins formed Man Utd’s two-man shortlist, but Villa are not looking to sell the England front man this summer.
Rasmus Hojlund’s future remains unclear, with the Dane insisting he wants to stay and fight for his place.
