A fresh development in the Benjamin Sesko transfer has arrived and it could have a seismic impact on both Manchester United and Newcastle United.
The RB Leipzig star has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with the Bundesliga side said to be demanding a fee of £64.8 million for his services.
Arsenal focused their attentions on Viktor Gyokeres and eventually acquired the Sporting CP striker for £55 million once add-ons were agreed on.
That left United and Newcastle as the two clubs in the race for the Slovenian but recent reports indicated that the Magpies were poised to lose out on another top target after the Red Devils stole a march.
Latest on Benjamin Sesko transfer
However, according to transfer news specialist Sacha Tavolieri, Newcastle have now "taken the lead" in the pursuit for Sesko after increasing their personal terms offer.
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The journalist notes that the North East side have "received the green light" from Sesko and will now accelerate talks over a €90 million fee.
But Keith Downie of Sky Sports, along with David Ornstein of The Athletic, states that a formal bid of £65.5 million and £4.3 million in add-ons has been made.
In Slovenia, outlet Delo say that Newcastle have won the race for Sesko after he decided to join the Champions League outfit.
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Meanwhile, Craig Hope from the Daily Mail has provided a more detailed overlook on the latest development in the situation.
According to his latest post on X, Newcastle are now awaiting Sesko's decision and presenting a package and vision for him - with nothing communicated regarding his final call.
United are reported to still be "at the table" having been installed as favourites, but Newcastle are still hopeful of getting their man.
The Carabao Cup winners were left frustrated in their efforts to sign Hugo Ekitike and Yoane Wissa, while they have had to content with the ongoing circus involving talisman Alexander Isak.
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The Swede wants to leave for Liverpool but the Reds had a £120 million bid rejected by Newcastle as confirmed by Eddie Howe.
Though he has not been with Newcastle for pre-season, The Telegraph say the club are hopeful he will remain at St James' Park.
Newcastle's only bit of transfer business this summer has been the £55 million capture of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, as well as the loan signing of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
United, on the other hand, have spent £133.5 million on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon.
Topics: RB Leipzig, Newcastle United, Manchester United
Josh Lawless