Manchester United have rivalled Newcastle in the race to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, submitting a bid they believe will be preferred by the player. Newcastle had made a second offer worth £69.7m, potentially rising to almost £75m, but United's bid of £65.2m guaranteed, up to £73.8m, has put the 22-year-old's future in contention.
United have been seeking a striker all summer, having missed out on Viktor Gyökeres, Hugo Ekitiké and Liam Delap. They have already spent more than £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, meaning any further major outlay may require selling Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho or Tyrell Malacia.
Newcastle were also interested in Ekitiké and Delap, and losing Sesko to Old Trafford would be another significant blow. They are in the market for two forwards, with Alexander Isak eager to leave, ideally for Liverpool. The Swedish striker missed the club's tour with a minor thigh problem undetectable on scans and trained alone at Real Sociedad; his £110m move to Liverpool was rejected last week. Manager Eddie Howe said he knew nothing of the trip and warned against "poor behaviour".
Newcastle have signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m and Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton. Several targets, including João Pedro and James Trafford, have turned the club down. Negotiations with Brentford for Yoane Wissa continue, and Howe admires Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. Meanwhile, Martin Dubravka is in advanced talks with Burnley following Ramsdale's arrival.
Howe is also seeking a right-sided centre-half. If Isak departs, Newcastle could revive interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi, though the player is not thought to favour Newcastle and is willing to stay at Selhurst Park until his contract expires. Liverpool are his preferred destination, but they are reluctant to meet Palace's £40m valuation. Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi remains high on the shortlist, while Atalanta have repeatedly rebuffed attempts for Giorgio Scalvini.
