Newcastle have sent a clear message to Benjamin Šeško amid Manchester United’s £73 million package offer for the RB Leipzig striker.
Newcastle, who look set to lose star striker Alexander Isak this summer window, have set their focus on in-demand Benjamin Šeško as a replacement.
In their trickiest transfer window yet, things appear to be getting worse for the Magpies, as Manchester United prepare a bid for the Slovenian and aim to rival Newcastle for the acquisition of one of Europe’s top young talents.
Though United may be playing catch-up, as Eddie Howe’s team have already tabled two offers and are looking to pressure the 22-year-old into an early move, United’s stature no doubt help their cause.
Šeško remains ambiguous about his preferred destination, with extensive speculation throughout the football media regarding the details of his move. One thing remains certain: he wants to leave RB Leipzig.
Newcastle set 48-hour deadline for Šeško deal
As the race for Sesko heats up, Ruben Amorim’s United face pressure from the Magpies to play their hand, as talkSPORT team set a 48-hour deadline for the £65 million plus add-ons bid earlier this week.
The first attempt was rejected, leaving Sesko with more time to think about his future, as RB Leipzig are holding out for a £70 million minimum up-front fee.
Newcastle then chose to submit a second offer of around £78 million on Monday evening, although are yet to hear back from Leipzig if that has been accepted.
Newcastle’s deadline for the deal to be completed is a clear message to Šeško that he must choose his next club promptly, as the striker has agreed to personal terms with both sides.
Højlund could be included in eventual deal
According to the talkSPORT report, Højlund, who has been underwhelming since his £72 million acquisition in 2023, could also be included in an eventual agreement with United.
Should United secure Šeško, Højlund’s place in next season’s squad plans are in serious doubt, despite featuring in pre-season and reiterating his desire to play for the club.
The Dane has been dragged into the transfer saga with Sesko, as the Slovenian is seen as the preferred option for Amorim, and so therefoer could be used as a sweatener to get any deal over the line.
On the other hand, Watkins could be a “perfect” striker target for Amorim, with vast Premier League experience and coming off the back of an impressive year at Aston Villa.
The club has already applied this logic this transfer window, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo following suit.
With the clock ticking until the transfer window shuts on 1st September, the club races to secure a new No. 9 this window, whoever it may be.
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