Newcastle United are reportedly ready to offer an initial €30 million to sign Benjamin Sesko, also a target for Manchester United and Chelsea.
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United will step up their efforts to sign Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko, who has also been the subject of interest from Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.
Newcastle United started their 2022/23 season with a dominant 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, with talismanic striker Callum Wilson getting on the scoresheet. However, that overshadows Eddie Howe’s frustrations off the pitch, with the Magpies struggling to bring attacking additions through the door.
The Newcastle chiefs have thus far failed to secure the likes of Moussa Diaby, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, while they have recently pulled the plug on their pursuits of local English stars James Maddison and Jack Harrison owing to exorbitant prices, as they look to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Newcastle are also set to miss out on another target, with Chelsea striker Timo Werner closing in on rejoining RB Leipzig. Now, it seems the Toon hierarchy are set to submit a formal enquiry for Red Bull Salzburg attacker Sesko as they look to boost Howe’s attacking options before the transfer window slams shut.
The 19-year-old is in high demand this summer after enjoying a breakout 2021/2022 season, amassing ten goals and seven assists in 36 games across all competitions. And his representatives have left no stone unturned in drumming up the hype, having reportedly held talks with Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as Newcastle.
Salzburg have no intention of selling the Slovenian international, who is under a long-term contract until 2026 at the Red Bull Arena. Ideally, the Austrian giants are willing to wait until next year to be able to charge a premium, with multiple Premier League clubs waiting in the wings to pounce.
However, the Austrian champions could be tempted into making a sale this summer if an offer of around €50 million arrives on the table. Manchester United have featured prominently in the conversation, with Cristiano Ronaldo still believed to be pushing for a departure from Old Trafford.
Sesko is thought to be Erik ten Hag’s priority target in attack, with the former Ajax boss looking to add firepower to his frontline following the 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in their Premier League opener. Chelsea, meanwhile, have loaned Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan this summer and are also lacking a main striker.
Newcastle United are ready to test their resolve by proposing a cheeky opening bid worth €30 million upfront payment plus add-ons. However, it could all prove to be futile now as Red Bull Salzburg seem to have struck an agreement with sister club RB Leipzig to sell Sesko to the Bundesliga outfit. The 19-year-old will remain in Austria for another season before moving to Germany in 2023.
Howay the lads!
Sign this lad, please!