Club Chief Confirms 'Strong Interest' in Benjamin Sesko as Manchester United and Newcastle Battle for Star Striker

RB Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer has acknowledged that "significant interest" has been demonstrated in the club's standout striker Benjamin Šeško, while reports indicate Manchester United are intensifying their chase for a player that Newcastle United have already made an offer for.

With Alexander Isak's future remaining unclear, Eddie Howe's team have identified Šeško as their primary objective. The Magpies allegedly submitted an official proposal valued at €75 million (£65.3 million, $86.4 million) plus an additional €5 million (£4.4 million, $5.8 million) in bonuses on Saturday, which would have established him as the club's most costly signing ever, exceeding Isak's €70 million (£60.9 million, $80.6 million) transfer fee.

However, despite the substantial amounts being offered, this proposal did not meet Leipzig's expectations, according to The Athletic who first broke the story. The German club seemingly desires a sell-on clause to be incorporated and have questioned the framework of Newcastle's proposal.

Discussions continue to progress, yet Sky Sports News reports that Manchester United have also initiated conversations regarding a potential transfer for Šeško. Leipzig's sporting director Schäfer stated: "We won't elaborate on specifics, but when I mention that multiple clubs have demonstrated significant interest and have made contact, it's clear what has transpired."

United are believed to have designated Šeško as their primary target during the final weeks of the transfer period, despite earlier concerns about the developing 22-year-old.

Similar to how Arsenal shifted focus toward Viktor Gyökeres, United previously considered the Slovenian international too expensive and allegedly felt he required "substantial improvement". Those concerns have apparently been resolved after it was revealed that Ruben Amorim's squad were more determined to acquire Šeško than Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins or Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

Šeško is reportedly receptive to overtures from both Newcastle and Manchester United after allegedly informing his RB Leipzig colleagues that he would be departing this summer.