Man Utd submit opening Benjamin Sesko bid as Newcastle transfer battle hots up

Manchester United have matched Newcastle's £73million bid for Benjamin Sesko, leaving the RB Leipzig star with the final decision. Sesko, 22, is both clubs' top target, as they each push to sign a striker in the final month of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle were first to lodge a formal bid, going in at €80m (£69.5m). Following talks with the Bundesliga club, Eddie Howe's side submitted an improved offer of €80m plus €5m in add-ons (£73m) on Monday.

United have now matched that amount, with multiple reports stating that their proposal is worth €75m plus €10m in add-ons (£73m). It's added that Sesko is training away from Leipzig's first-team squad amid the race to sign him.

Newcastle's decision to pursue the Slovenian comes after Alexander Isak told club chiefs that he wants to leave amid concrete interest from Liverpool. The Magpies rejected Liverpool's opening bid last week but are braced for a second offer.

United, on the other hand, want to upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, who's available for just £30m after two difficult seasons at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have already signed two forwards this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

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After Sesko was left out of Leipzig's friendly with Atalanta last week, managing director Marcel Schafer confirmed that approaches had been made. "We won't go into detail on that, but when I say that several clubs have shown strong interest and have made approaches," Schafer was quoted as saying. "It's obvious what has happened."

Who should Benjamin Sesko chose - Newcastle or Manchester United? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

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