Sesko set 48-hour deadline as Newcastle have no plans to replicate Man Utd deal

Newcastle United have reportedly informed RB Leipzig of a deadline in terms of their interest in a possible move for striker Benjamin Sesko, who is also a target for Manchester United

Newcastle United have provided a 48-hour deadline regarding their interest in Benjamin Sesko. Eddie Howe’s side have identified the RB Leipzig striker as a target as the club look to add reinforcements in attack.

The Magpies, who are preparing for a Champions League campaign, currently have limited options up front. First-choice striker Alexander Isak has been the subject of a rejected bid worth up to £120million from Liverpool, while the expiry of Callum Wilson’s contract leaves prospect William Osula as the club’s only other recognised centre-forward.

Newcastle have also been linked with a move for Brentford star Yoane Wissa, who scored 19 league goals last term. However, the club are determined not to allow their pursuit of Leipzig forward Sesko to emulate Manchester United’s earlier transfer strategy.

talkSPORT have reported that Newcastle have informed Leipzig of their desire for clarity in terms of Sesko's next steps by Wednesday. It is said that the club are confident of reaching an agreement with the German side.

Leipzig are thought to value the 22-year-old striker at around £70million. Sesko is also a target for Man United and had been on Arsenal's radar prior to the Gunners signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

However, the report also claimed that Newcastle feel they must have a clear idea of Sesko’s intentions before the latter half of the week. It is said that Leipzig have yet to receive any formal offers for Sesko, despite recent reports.

Newcastle’s unwillingness to find themselves in a transfer saga is contrary to Man United’s approach to signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Despite the club’s public interest in Mbeumo, Man United had several offers turned down before the striker finally arrived at Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £71m. Newcastle wish to avoid replicating a similar scenario with Sesko.

The Isak situation provides Newcastle with extra motivation to accelerate negotiations for Sesko and any other transfer targets. Aside from potentially losing a star player, Howe will want to ensure any new recruits have time to settle before the start of an important season for the club.

Newcastle reportedly value their star forward at £150m and turned down an initial £110m offer from Liverpool last week. Sky Sports spotted the striker arriving at Newcastle's training ground on Monday, having spent time training with former side Real Sociedad.

When asked if he thought Isak would report back to the club as the squad prepared to return from their pre-season tour of Asia, Newcastle boss Howe said: "Of course I'd like him to be (there), but whether he will I don’t know at this moment in time. We have been here with the time difference, preparing for training and for games. Other people have been dealing with that situation back at home."

Isak scored 27 goals across all competitions as Newcastle finally ended their long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup and secured a Champions League spot by finishing fifth in the Premier League. He was brought by Newcastle in for around £63m in August 2022.

Meanwhile, Sesko scored 21 goals in 45 games for Leipzig, including four goals in the Champions League. The centre-forward is one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, having thrived during his spells in Austria and Germany.

Newcastle have welcomed winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m and secured a loan move for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale so far this summer. In terms of outgoings, the club have recouped some money through the sales of Lloyd Kelly and Sean Longstaff to Juventus and Leeds United, respectively.