Benjamin Sesko Sparks Transfer Battle as Man Utd and Newcastle Prepare Crucial Talks with Decision Deadline Looming

Delegates from Manchester United and Newcastle United have traveled to Leipzig to make their concluding efforts in the race to sign forward Benjamin Šeško, according to recent reports.

Newcastle is believed to have presented the most substantial offer for Šeško, valued at €82.5 million (£72 million, $96 million) plus an additional €2.5 million (£2.2 million, $2.9 million) in performance-related bonuses, however the 22-year-old has indicated his preference to join United, whose proposal matches the same overall amount but reportedly features a reduced upfront payment.

This situation puts Newcastle in a position where they must persuade Šeško to consider their proposal, while United needs to finalize terms with Leipzig to complete this acquisition.

According to BILD, both English clubs have dispatched representatives to Leipzig for what is anticipated to be crucial in-person negotiations with Šeško and officials from the German club.

Currently, United feels optimistic having secured Šeško's favor, but the incentives included in their proposal presently don't meet Leipzig's requirements, which focus on more attainable add-ons tied to reaching specific appearance milestones rather than championship victories.

Leading United's pursuit is recruitment director Christopher Vivell, who previously brought Šeško to both Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 and Leipzig in 2023.

Šeško is anticipated to reach his ultimate decision regarding which team he wishes to join after Thursday's discussions. Newcastle has indicated they won't be drawn into an extended negotiation without guarantees of having a realistic opportunity to succeed, and currently, Šeško is declining a transfer to St James's Park.

The Magpies seek a marquee striker acquisition as a potential successor to Alexander Isak, who is practicing separately at Newcastle after voicing his intention to depart and being absent from pre-season due to injury.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson is becoming a possible backup option, while Brentford's Yoane Wissa continues to be a target.