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RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko has snubbed Manchester United and is keen to join Newcastle United.
That's according to DELO, who claims Sesko has analyzed both Premier League proposals and favors a move to Newcastle this summer. The news comes just hours after Liverpool saw a $146 million offer for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle.
Newcastle has clarified that Isak is not for sale, but would only consider allowing a deal if its $197 million valuation was met. After losing out on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, Newcastle has also stated that a replacement for Isak would need to be finalized before allowing him to leave.
Sesko, 22, is seen as one of the brightest young talents in world soccer and has been heavily monitored by Europe's top clubs. Newcastle and United are considered the frontrunners to sign him this summer, but Sesko prefers a move to the League Cup champions.
The Slovenian forward joined Leipzig from Salzburg in 2022 for a fee of $28 million. Leipzig is understood to require a fee of $87 million to sanction a transfer this summer, with add-ons and a sell-on clause also integral to a potential sale.
Earlier this window, Newcastle attempted to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and planned to play him alongside Isak. However, Liverpool hijacked the move and then tried to prize Isak away from Newcastle.
After weeks of speculation, Liverpool submitted an official bid for Isak worth $146 million on Friday. Newcastle instantly rejected the offer, and Liverpool opted to withdraw its interest.
A second bid was thought to be pointless due to Newcastle's firm stance, which hasn't changed since Liverpool's interest was first reported. However, Newcastle's stance could change if a replacement striker is signed, and Sesko is keen on the move.
It's been a very active summer for Liverpool, which has signed Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Armin Pecsi. Approximately $325 million has been spent by Liverpool this summer, meaning that departures have also been crucial to balance the books.
Nat Phillips, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, and Luis Diaz all left the club this summer, and Liverpool received a collective $141 million. Liverpool also secured $12 million from Real Madrid for the early release of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Another high-profile player must be sold to come close to Newcastle's demands and fund a potential Isak transfer. Darwin Nunez has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, and negotiations with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are ongoing.
Liverpool is looking to secure a fee in the region of $75 million for Nunez, $10 million less than they paid Benfica for his services in 2022. Nunez was previously in talks with Napoli, but the Serie A champions withdrew interest.
Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, and Andrew Robertson have also been linked with moves away from Liverpool this summer. At this stage, a second bid for Isak is off the table, but if Sesko joins Newcastle, the transfer saga may be revived.
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