Newcastle United have made a second bid for Benjamin Sesko worth €80m (£69.7m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, according to reports.
The Magpies are in a transfer race with Manchester United to sign the RB Leipzig striker and are now in a ‘strong position’ to land his signature.
That’s according to The Athletic, although it should be noted that Sesko has not yet made a final decision on which club to join this summer.
The Daily Mail report Newcastle have been told that Sesko is ‘willing to sign’ for them – and the club are now hoping to agree personal terms in the next 24 hours.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, though, claims the Red Devils will make their own bid for Sesko if the player decides to pick them instead.
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It’s thought that all outcomes are still possible – and that the Slovenia international’s preference will be crucial to any deal.
Sesko is the No.1 transfer target for both Newcastle and Ruben Amorim’s side this summer, with both clubs keen to recruit a new striker.
Expert analysis: Benjamin Sesko
It was quite a tough season for Leipzig last term, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They were struggling, which reflected on Sesko’s output, but he’s still been one of their best and most consistent players.
Sesko’s strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he’s great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he’s also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he’s a willing runner off the ball as well.
His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It’s not that he’s bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, he’s not at that level.
But during his young career, he’s shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he’s a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner.
Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews
The Red Devils had been considering a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but decided to focus on a deal for Sesko instead.
Newcastle, meanwhile, ramped up their interest in Sesko after Alexander Isak told Eddie Howe’s side that he wished to depart St James’ Park.
Sesko, 22, has conjured up 39 goals and eight assists across 87 games for German club Leipzig to date.
Shearer claims Man Utd and Newcastle are making transfer ‘gamble’
Alan Shearer believes the Red Devils and his beloved Newcastle are making significant ‘gambles’ in their pursuit of Sesko this summer.
Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast: ‘With Sesko, I know he’s young, but that would be a gamble because you’re going to have to pay a decent sized fee.
‘I saw him two or three times in the Champions League last season and there’s definitely room for improvement.
‘Yes, there’s certainly a talent there but there’s a lot improvement that can be made as well.
‘You’re bringing someone who’s unknown into the Premier League and that’s always a bit of a risk.’