Newcastle handed brutal transfer blow after making €80m bid for Benjamin Sesko in bid to beat Man Utd to RB Leipzig star

The Athletic report that Newcastle's bid for Sesko falls below RB Leipzig's valuation of the striker, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the transfer window. It is not currently known exactly how far behind the valuation Newcastle sit, but The Athletic's report reiterates a previous belief that Leipzig were seeking €75m (£65m/$86m) plus add-ons - potentially eclipsing €80m overall - and a sell-on clause.

Amidst the speculation surrounding the future of Alexander Isak, it has become pertinent for Newcastle to sign a new striker in case the Sweden international were to depart. Sesko is one of the most highly-regarded young strikers in Europe, which has seen him targeted by an array of the Premier League's biggest clubs this summer. The belief now is that it is between the Magpies and Manchester United for his signature.

Sesko would become Newcastle's record signing if he were to arrive in the North East for a fee eclipsing the £63m (€70m/$83m) spent on Isak in 2022. Sesko has scored 27 Bundesliga goals across his two seasons at Leipzig after the 22-year-old signed from Red Bull affiliates Salzburg. He was recently left out of the squad for a pre-season friendly clash against Atalanta, indicating that the German club are preparing for his departure.

Newcastle may return with an improved second offer if their bid for Sesko has ultimately been rejected by Leipzig. This transfer story could have several repercussions in the wider market, as it is believed that Liverpool may walk away from Isak negotiations unless the Toon make progress on signing a replacement first.