The high-stakes world of European football transfers is currently gripped by an intense bidding war for highly-rated striker Benjamin Sesko, with Newcastle United reportedly tabling a substantial offer in a fierce contest against Manchester United.

Reports suggest Newcastle has made a significant €90 million (£78 million) bid, a move that signals their serious intent to secure the Slovenian forward. This aggressive financial play aims to give the Magpies a crucial edge, especially given previous shifts in transfer fortunes.

Veteran journalist Jan Aage Fjørtoft corroborated these claims, revealing Newcastle’s substantial financial commitment, which is understood to be notably higher than RB Leipzig’s initial valuation of £64 million for their prized asset.

However, the narrative remains complex. Fabrizio Romano, another well-respected transfer expert, indicated that Sesko’s preference has consistently been Manchester United, and despite Newcastle’s overtures, the player’s mind reportedly remains unchanged, with RB Leipzig focused on maximizing any potential transfer fee.

Further developments suggested a breakthrough for Newcastle, with claims that they had significantly improved the personal terms offered to Sesko, subsequently receiving the ‘green light’ from the player to advance discussions with RB Leipzig, eyeing a deal around the €90 million mark.

Despite the reported optimism from the Newcastle camp, RB Leipzig swiftly rejected their initial bid, with reputable sources like David Ornstein confirming that the offer simply “fell short” of the German club’s financial expectations for their sought-after striker.

Adding to the intricate web of transfer speculation, there were confusing reports suggesting Sesko was considered a “replacement” for Isak, a development that ironically boosted Liverpool’s prospects in their pursuit of another striker this summer, highlighting the ripple effect of major transfers.

The ‘battle’ for Sesko’s signature has seen dramatic twists, with some Slovenian reports even declaring the contest “won” by Newcastle following a supposed U-turn from the player. Yet, Manchester United remains confident, believing they can still outmaneuver the Magpies for the RB Leipzig star, despite Newcastle’s record-breaking offer.

The latest whispers from Old Trafford indicate a strong belief within Manchester United that they will ultimately prevail in securing Benjamin Sesko, underscoring the fierce competition and unpredictable nature of elite football transfers.