Newcastle United and Manchester United suffer striker blow - just weeks after agent visited Tyneside

Newcastle United and Manchester United are set to suffer disappointment in their attempts to sign striker Benjamin Sesko.

The 19-year-old frontman has captured the attention of both Premier League clubs after impressing for Austrian club RB Salzburg.

Sesko scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 36 appearances in all competitions last season and has taken his form into the new campaign.

The Slovenia international has scored two goals in four appearances during the early stages of the season as speculation over a possible move to the Premier League continued to dominate the headlines.

Sesko is believed to be on Newcastle’s shortlist as they look to add depth to their attacking options and provide competition for Callum Wilson.

Speculation over a move to St James Park was fuelled when the player’s agent Elvis Basanovic took to his Instagram account to post a photo of himself on Tyneside with the caption ‘destination?’.

Manchester United have also been keen to bring Sesko to the Premier League and have reportedly held talks with RB Leipzig and the player’s representatives as they look to boost Erik ten Hag’s squad in the aftermath of Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion.

However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has now claimed Sesko will remain in Austria throughout the current season and will then complete a move to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.

Speaking via his Twitter account on Monday afternoon, Romano said: “ RB Leipzig are closing on deal to sign Benjamin Sesko for summer 2023! RB Salzburg have rejected the proposal for this summer, Sesko is happy to stay for one more year.

“Leipzig are now closing on deal for Sesko to join in 2023, could be done this week.”

Newcastle have also been linked with the likes of Chelsea striker Armando Broja and free agent Andrea Belotti over the last month.