'Next week' - Fabrizio Romano teases 'big' Newcastle United transfer move & Man Utd hijack

Newcastle United are expected to go “big” for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this week.

Alexander Isak’s request to leave Newcastle has brought the striker position into sharp focus, with Sesko now under serious consideration.

Sesko, 22, has been on the radar of several European clubs since breaking through at RB Salzburg. Sesko has spent the last two seasons at sister club RB Leipzig, where he has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances.

Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle United will go big for Benjamin Sesko this week

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies will accelerate their pursuit of the 22-year-old this week.

“Next week will be very important for the future of Benjamin Sesko,” Romano told viewers on his YouTube channel on Sunday. “Newcastle are going very big with this contract proposal ready for the player and they are also ready to approach RB Leipzig.

“So, Newcastle are going very strong for Benjamin Sesko and they are prepared to make important things happen for the Slovenian striker. Newcastle will go big next week.”

Manchester United could join Benjamin Sesko race

As it stands, Newcastle have a clear run at Sesko but that could soon change as Manchester United discuss a potential approach. And may worry Magpies fans having already missed out on the likes of Joan Pedro and Liam Delap to Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool.

The Slovenian has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with Leipzig to leave for between £61million and £69m, including £4m or £8m in add-ons.

Romano continued: “Manchester United are still discussing Benjamin Sesko internally. It's an expensive deal, so it's not easy, but don't forget the gentlemen’s agreement I told you.

“For some clubs indicated by Benjamin Sesko as special clubs for him, the price of the Sesko package can be 70-80 million euros fixed, plus 5-10 million euros in add-ons.

“With Newcastle going very big and with Manchester United discussing strikers and Sesko internally.”

“So, keep an eye on this story in the next week and in the next days because Newcastle will go with an important proposal, Manchester United will discuss his name again internally with the coach involved in the conversation, Ruben Amorim, with the directors and with the financials of the deal to understand if they can make it happen or not.

“But this Benjamin Sekso situation will be for sure one to watch in the next, let's say, 7-10 days.”

Alexander Isak latest

After agreeing to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for a reported £65m, Liverpool are now expected to submit an opening offer for Isak.

Newcastle don’t want to sell but with the player expressing a desire to leave, a sale could be sanctioned if the Reds meet the Swede’s £150m valuation. Eddie Howe’s squad are currently in South Korea but Isak is absent from the trip due to a “slight groin injury”.

“Of course there's things going on behind the scenes (with Alex),” Howe admitted. “He will be aware he's in the news every day, and I'm sure that's not easy for anyone in that situation.

“Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him.

“He's been magnificent for us and he’s very popular in the dressing room. We'd love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. I certainly hope he stays.

“And I said (last weekend) I was confident that he'd stay. I don't see anything that's going to change that opinion of mine at the moment, but it's football and who knows what the future may bring.

“All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We're in a very strong position financially. We're determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We've got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward trajectory.”

YOUR NEXT READ: Newcastle United player ratings: 'Clumsy' 6/10, 'struggling' 5/10 & several 7/10s vs Arsenal.

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