MANCHESTER UNITED’s tussle with Newcastle over Benjamin Sesko has been hit with a new twist.
The Red Devils and the Magpies have been hot on the heels of the Slovenian striker, 22, in recent weeks.
GettyBenjamin Sesko is only open to joining Newcastle and Man Utd[/caption]
And now, according to German outlet Bild, Sesko has told both sides that he is only opening to joining them – ruling out any other clubs.
Sesko informed his agent that he will choose between either Man Utd or Newcastle if he were to leave RB Leipzig this summer.
The chat allegedly took place during a meeting on Sunday after Sesko was left out of Leipzig’s squad for their friendly against Atalanta.
Newcastle made their first move on Saturday with a club-record offer worth £69.8million including add-ons.
But that was knocked back by Leipzig who are now demanding £70million guaranteed.
The total package is expected to exceed £70million when the clubs include add-ons.
There has been no official bid from Man Utd yet, but the club are expected to launch an offer of their own imminently.
Old Trafford chiefs have been in talks with Leipzig over what they would be prepared to pay.
Sesko is understood to be open to both projects, but he is reportedly leaning towards Manchester United.
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Newcastle offer Champions League football and are ready to close the deal right now.
While the cash-strapped United have no European football at all this season and will need to take time while negotiating a possible move.
Sesko reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement in place with his club and they will not stand in his way should an appropriate offer arrive.
He was also linked with Arsenal before the Gunners confirmed Viktor Gyokeres last month.
Sesko has scored 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig since joining from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago.
It was thought Ruben Amorim‘s side would have to make sales in order to bring in a striker.
However, while the priority is to offload players, it is understood United can buy before selling, provided there are sales before the window closes.
And if Sesko joins Newcastle, it leaves the door open for Alexander Isak to move on for what will surely be a Premier League transfer record.
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 was their most expensive signing at £68m and scored 23 Prem goals last season.
Isak reported to Newcastle training on Monday morning after missing the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
Newcastle have made clear that no sale will go ahead unless a suitable replacement is secured – and Sesko is the ideal man.
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