‘I want’ - £42m star deals transfer blow to Newcastle United and Liverpool

Benjamin Sesko has outlined his desire to “spend a lot of time” at RB Leipzig amid reported interest from Newcastle United.

Reports have linked the Magpies with a summer move for the Slovenian wonderkid. Eddie Howe has struggled for attacking options throughout the campaign as injuries have ramped up.

Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have spent time on the treatment table - forcing Howe to field Anthony Gordon up front on occasion. Wilson has been linked with a move away as frustrations mount regarding his injury concerns.

Modern-day clubs rarely boast more than two top strikers but Newcastle, given the reliability of those in their ranks, may need to sign another. Links with Leipzig sensation Sesko - who has 10 goals for Slovenia - have emerged in recent months.

The 20-year-old only joined the Bundesliga outfit last summer from another Red Bull club, RB Salzburg. At 6ft 4in, Sesko has been billed as a throwback striker akin to Newcastle greats from yesteryear.

His age and potential have also seen him become a reported target for several European heavyweights. Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Sesko’s situation but their transfer plans are up in the air following Jurgen Klopp’s exit announcement.

NewcastleWorld understands the youngster has a £42million release clause in his contract which becomes active this summer. However, speaking to German media, Sesko - also his nation’s youngest goalscorer - revealed he wants to stay at Leipzig.

“I want to spend a lot of time here because the club suits me well,” he told Bild. “We’ll see how many years it will be in total.”