Man Utd step up attempts to hijack Newcastle's Benjamin Sesko move as RB Leipzig striker tells BOTH clubs he wants to join them

Manchester United are pushing to hijack Newcastle’s move for Benjamin Sesko, with both English clubs locked in a high-stakes transfer battle. The RB Leipzig striker has reportedly told both sides that he is open to joining them, adding fresh intrigue to one of the summer’s most tightly-contested sagas that looks set to be drawn out into the start of the Premier League season.

  • Sesko open to both Man Utd and Newcastle moves
  • reject Magpies’ €80m bid
  • Man Utd weighing finances – in contact with Sesko camp

Man Utd step up attempts to hijack Newcastle's Benjamin Sesko move as RB Leipzig striker tells BOTH clubs he wants to join themMan Utd step up attempts to hijack Newcastle's Benjamin Sesko move as RB Leipzig striker tells BOTH clubs he wants to join themMan Utd step up attempts to hijack Newcastle's Benjamin Sesko move as RB Leipzig striker tells BOTH clubs he wants to join them

Newcastle had a €75m plus €5m (£65+4m) offer rejected by RB Leipzig, who are holding out for €80m (£70m) guaranteed. Manchester have entered the race with direct contact made over the weekend, and both clubs have been in touch with Sesko’s camp.

There is supposedly a gentleman’s agreement allowing Sesko to leave if he signals his intent to move. United are exploring the details of that agreement while Newcastle remain fully prepared to close the deal. Former Red Bull executive Christopher Vivell is reportedly pushing Sesko’s case internally at Old Trafford. However, German outlet Bild has now reported that Sesko has told both Man Utd and Newcastle that he is ready to join them.

As per Fabrizio Romano [via GiveMeSport] Newcastle are ready to meet RB Leipzig’s financial demands and finalise the deal if Sesko agrees. The report states that United, meanwhile, are weighing up their options as they consider player outgoings and whether they can afford the Slovenian. The Red Devils’ internal talks continue while they assess whether to commit to the €80m outlay.

The 22-year-old is expected to make a final decision soon as both clubs apply pressure. With the striker keen on either move, the outcome will hinge on which project – and offer – he finds more convincing. RB Leipzig await clarity, with the €80m-rated forward now one of the summer’s hottest properties.