Man Utd table surprising first Benjamin Sesko bid as transfer battle with Newcastle intensifies

The Red Devils have offered €75 million (£65m) plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons for the 22-year-old, according to The Athletic. United are battling Newcastle for the striker's signature but appear to have offered slightly less than the Magpies. Eddie Howe's side have reportedly made a second bid of €90m (£78m), including add-ons, for Sesko as they search for a potential replacement for Alexander Isak.

RB Leipzig are yet to respond to United's offer but the Red Devils believe that Sesko would rather head to Old Trafford than St James' Park, according to David Ornstein. United have already spent heavily this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their attack after struggling for goals last season. Amorim's side have also been credited with interest in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins but appear to have prioritised Sesko instead.

Newcastle's interest in Sesko has emerged amid speculation top scorer Isak could leave for Liverpool. The Sweden international's future at the club is uncertain after he missed their pre-season tour to Asia and was spotted training alone at former club Real Sociedad. A bid from Liverpool has been rejected already by the Magpies, but their stance on his future could change if Sesko can be convinced to join the club.

Manchester United and Newcastle now face an anxious wait to see if Sesko can be prised from Leipzig in time for the start of the new season. The Red Devils kick off their campaign against Arsenal, while Newcastle take on Aston Villa.