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

Manchester United have matched Newcastle's £73.8million bid for Benjamin Sesko, leaving the RB Leipzig star with the final decision. Sesko, 22, is both clubs' top target, as they each push to sign a striker in the final month of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle were first to lodge a formal bid, going in at £69.5m. Following talks with the Bundesliga club, Eddie Howe's side submitted an improved offer of £69.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons on Monday.

United have now matched that total sum, with a proposal worth £65.2m plus £8.6m in add-ons. It's understood that Sesko is training away from Leipzig's first-team squad amid the race to sign him.

Newcastle's decision to pursue the Slovenia international comes after Alexander Isak told club chiefs that he wants to leave amid concrete interest from Liverpool. The Magpies rejected Liverpool's opening bid last week but they're braced for a second offer.

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.

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After Sesko was absent for Leipzig's pre-season friendly with Atalanta last week, managing director Marcel Schafer confirmed that approaches had been made.

"We won't go into detail on that, but when I say that several clubs have shown strong interest and have made approaches," Schafer was quoted as saying. "It's obvious what has happened."

Howe has been tight-lipped on Newcastle's interest in Sesko. When asked about the ex-Red Bull Salzburg wonderkid, the Magpies boss told Chronicle Live: "I am sorry to sound like a broken record, I am aware of what is happening, but I am not dealing with it.

Who should Benjamin Sesko chose - Newcastle or Manchester United? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

"I woke up today and had two training sessions then came straight here. I am finding out what is happening after it has happened, so we will try to bring the best to the football club - I will make that clear - but I can't talk about individual targets."

United's interest in Sesko dates back to when he was 16 and playing for Slovenian club Domzale. The Red Devils' new director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, also knows plenty about the in-demand 22-year-old.

Vivell signed Sesko for both Salzburg and Leipzig during his spells with the two Red Bull-run clubs, and he's hoping to do it for a third time in his role at United.

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