Man Utd submit huge bid for Benjamin Sesko as 'preferred choice' named amid Newcastle offer

Manchester United have submitted their first official offer for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, according to reports in Germany, as the so-called "crazy transfer battle" involving Newcastle continues.

Sesko has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent weeks as Ruben Amorim's search for a No.9 continues.

Last week, Newcastle submitted a club record bid of £69.9 million for the 22-year-old striker, but that offer was soon rejected as Leipzig said the structure of their offer did not meet expectations.

And now, German publication BILD claim Leipzig have received an offer from Manchester United for the Slovenian, which totals around €85 million [£73.9m].

In addition to the above, The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that United have submitted a bid of €75 million plus €10 million in add-ons for Sesko, and suggests the Premier League club believe Sesko favours a move to Old Trafford over other interested parties.

Sesko, meanwhile, will not train with the Bundesliga team on Tuesday. He will instead train individually due to the current situation.

Benjamin Sesko in action for RB Leipzig. Image: Getty

"The most important question remains: What does the Slovenian want?" added the report from BILD. "Recently, he was undecided, keeping both clubs in mind. According to BILD information, he is said to have told both that he only wants to join them."

United's formal offer for Sesko was made on Tuesday morning, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, an offer that matches Leipzig's quoted fixed fee.

Jacobs added: "Manchester United believe Sesko wants to join and never planned to bid without player buy in.... Newcastle's long-standing fear has been if both clubs offer like-for-like, Sesko would pick Manchester United."

Benjamin Sesko explains why he turned down Man Utd in 2024

Last year, Sesko explained why he decided to stay at RB Leipzig, despite attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal.

Having scored 18 goals in all competitions for Marco Rose's side in 2023/24, many clubs expressed an interest but after months of speculation, the former Salzburg striker opted to stay in Germany.

Speaking to Nogomania, Sesko explained the reason behind his decision.

"I thought it through very well," he said. "I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things. Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step.

"Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."

Sesko was also asked how he managed to block out talk of a transfer before penning a new deal.

He added: "I can’t deny such things don’t get into your subconscious, it’s probably quite normal, human. Still, I remained calm despite everything. I got through that turbulent period and approached the Euro fully focused."

A year on and it looks like Sesko is on the verge of leaving Leipzig. The player is understood to be open to both projects at Manchester United and Newcastle.