RB Leipzig make drastic Benjamin Sesko decision as Man Utd and Newcastle transfer saga takes new twist

RB Leipzig have taken a drastic decision over Benjamin Sesko amid transfer interest from Manchester United and Newcastle in the striker.

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle have made a formal bid of £65.5 million, plus £4.3 million in add-ons, for Sesko.

The offer is believed to have met Leipzig's valuation of the Slovenia international, who signed for the club in 2023.

It is claimed, however, that Sesko is also still open to a move to United.

The Manchester Evening News reported on Friday that the Europa League runners-up were 'advancing' in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, despite missing out on European football for this season.

Image: Sky Sports

The striker's future now very much hands in the balance - as proven by Leipzig's latest major decision.

Leipzig are due to take on Italian Serie A side Atalanta in a pre-season friendly today, with the match kicking off at 2pm UK time.

However, Downie reports that Sesko has not been named in Leipzig's squad and will therefore play no part in the fixture.

The Slovenian is not suffering from an injury, with his absence purely due to ongoing transfer negotiations.

Why Newcastle have bid for Sesko

Newcastle have been chasing a new centre forward throughout the summer transfer window, with Callum Wilson leaving the club at the end of his contract in June.

His departure has left Alexander Isak and William Osula as manager Eddie Howe's only senior striking options.

Speculation over the future of Isak has grown in recent weeks, with Liverpool seeing an £110 million bid for the Sweden international turned down on Friday.

According to the Daily Mail's Craig Hope, the 25-year-old is set to return to Newcastle training next week, having been training away from the club in Spain amid the transfer speculation.

Prior to that saga, Newcastle made their striker intentions clear by launching a bid for Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, but that offer was rejected and the Frenchman subsequently joined Liverpool.