Newcastle identify Benjamin Sesko transfer alternative as Man Utd hold talks with striker

Daily Mirror

a day ago

Newcastle and Manchester United are both keen on landing RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko but the Magpies have now eyed up PSG's Goncalo Ramos as a possible forward target
Newcastle are keeping tabs on PSG's Goncalo Ramos as they weigh up potential striker options which also involve Manchester United target Benjamin Sesko.
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The RB Leipzig frontman has emerged as a player who is wanted by Newcastle and the Red Devils this week, with the former seeing the Slovenian as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak, who is now on Liverpool's radar as he considers his options.
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Newcastle have seen an opening offer for Sesko rejected and are discussing the possibility of pursuing Ramos at PSG, with the French side open to his exit. The Magpies considered the Portuguese forward as an option three years ago before they signed Isak.
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Ramos was then at Benfica, but later joined the French champions. He is by no means a regular starter in Paris though and the striker, still only 24, is being considered as a target at St James' Park after scoring 33 goals from 86 matches at the Parc des Princes.
Newcastle's priority target is Sesko, but they will look elsewhere if negotiations head south, reports the Daily Mail. Eddie Howe's side saw a bid of £69.8m including add-ons turned down. Discussions continue over the structure of that deal whilst those in Manchester have not made an offer.
Sesko is open to both projects at the respective Premier League clubs, although it is Newcastle who can offer him Champions League football for the upcoming season. The Slovenian was absent from Leipzig's pre-season friendly loss to Atalanta on Saturday due to his expected departure. He has reportedly told his team-mates that he will be leaving, as per Sky in Germany.
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Marcel Schafer, RB Leipzig's managing director for sport, has confirmed that interested parties have expressed their desire to take the player. He said: "We won't go into detail on that but when I say that several clubs have shown strong interest and have made approaches, it's obvious what has happened."
United have already added Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this summer but want a No 9. It is understood that Leipzig are interested in United's Rasmus Hojlund and have considered a possible loan. The German club had proposed taking Hojlund on loan as part of any any deal that takes Sesko to Manchester.
Newcastle are also interested in Brentford's Yoane Wissa, who was not part of Brentford's squad for their friendly against QPR on Saturday, as he looks to move away from the west London outfit.
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