Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Transfer News, RB Leipzig, Premier League, Football
Ben McCrum
Topics: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Transfer News, RB Leipzig, Premier League, Football
Red Bull Leipzig have told Manchester United and Newcastle exactly how much they'll have to pay to sign top target Benjamin Sesko this summer.
With reports suggesting that Alexander Isak could leave to join Liverpool this summer, Newcastle United are desperately looking to sign a new striker before the start of the 2025/26 season.
Several forwards have been linked with a move to St James' Park, including Hugo Ekitike, Yoane Wissa and Rodrigo Muniz, but it appears that RB Leipzig's Sesko is Eddie Howe's top target.
After days of rumours, it looked almost certain that the Slovenian international would make the move to join the Magpies, until United came out of nowhere in an attempt to hijack the deal.
Advert
With two clubs interested in securing Sesko's signature, Leipzig can afford to let them battle it out, and they've made it clear exactly how much they expect to receive if they agree to a transfer.
According to a new report from transfer expert David Ornstein for The Athletic, both Newcastle and United view Sesko as their top target up front this summer.
With that in mind, Leipzig have decided to make both clubs aware of their demands, stating that they expect an offer of €75million (£64.8) plus add-ons and a sell-on percentage.
With two clubs interested in the 22-year-old, Leipzig can clearly drive up the price to ensure they get the best deal possible for their star player.
And with Sesko’s current Leipzig deal running until 2029, having signed a new contract last year, the German club can take their time when considering any incoming offers.
However, when his new deal was signed, it was reportedly done so under the promise that if an offer in the region of of €80m-€90m (£69m to £78m) came in, Leipzig would allow him to leave the club.
As well as Sesko, Ruben Amorim is believed to be an admirer of Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, who scored 16 Premier League goals last season.
Should United miss out on securing their top target this summer, then it is believed that a deal for Watkins will become their priority ahead of the transfer window closing on September 1.
Even if they are able to bring Sesko to Old Trafford, The Athletic claims that signing both forwards this summer is currently being considered.
But a deal for Watkins may not be easy as, after initially stating that the Englishman was not for sale, it is now believed that Villa could be looking for a fee in the region of £60m.