Manchester United have reportedly made their first offer for Benjamin Sesko as they look to beat Newcastle to the signing of the RB Leipzig striker.
According to The Athletic, the bid is worth £65million up front plus £8.6m in add-ons – but Leipzig are not yet thought to have responded to the proposal.
The development sets up an intriguing two-way fight between Premier League rivals United and Newcastle, both of whom were reportedly told that Sesko is keen to join them. As of Monday night, the Magpies were pushing hard to wrap up the deal.
Newcastle were determined to move quickly to agree terms with Leipzig after the Bundesliga club looked to negotiate the structure of an initial approach worth £70m.
Sesko had even emerged as Eddie Howe’s top attacking target in light of Liverpool’s £110m swoop for Alexander Isak, but interest from United remained.
It was thought last week that the Red Devils were his preferred destination, but, unlike Newcastle, United did not table an offer over the weekend. However, that stance has now shifted, placing the onus back on Sesko, who scored 21 goals last season.
