Benjamin Sesko transfer deadline emerges as Man Utd and Newcastle make huge bids

The coming hours are set to be decisive regarding the future of Benjamin Sesko with the RB Leipzig striker set to inform his current club whether he would prefer a move to Manchester United or Newcastle.

Both Premier League clubs have been locked in a tug of war over the Slovenia centre forward and have submitted similar bids that Leipzig are evaluating.

But latest reports suggest that the decision will ultimately come down to which club Sesko would rather turn out for this season - and Sesko is now expected to confirm his intentions by tonight.

Earlier on Tuesday it emerged that United formally submitted a bid of £73.8m for the 22-year-old, speeding up the process that will see him leave the Bundesliga outfit. Newcastle were first to lodge a formal bid that was rejected. Following talks with the Bundesliga club, Eddie Howe's side submitted an improved offer of £69.5m plus £8.6m in add-ons on Monday.

READ MORE: Man Utd submit opening Benjamin Sesko transfer bid as Newcastle battle hots up

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There are added considerations however that could also end up impacting Premier League champions Liverpool. Should Sesko decide to move to Old Trafford instead of St James' Park it would increase the chances of Alexander Isak remaining with the Toon despite expressing his desire to explore new opportunities amid interest from Anfield.

Although the Toon’s asking price remains some way higher than what the Premier League champions appear willing to pay having last week had a first bid rejected.

Isak has not featured in pre-season for Newcastle with the club citing a thigh injury, though he has also taken himself to the facilities of former club Real Sociedad for a mini training camp.

United, on the other hand, want to upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, who's available for just £30m after two difficult seasons at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have already signed two forwards this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for a combined £133.5m from Wolves and Brentford.

That is despite the club not being in Europe this season, while it remains unclear how motivated Sesko is around the chance of participating in this season's Champions League for Newcastle.

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