Manchester United and Newcastle United are locked in a transfer battle over RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, with the Magpies reportedly submitting an €80 million bid to the German side.

Newcastle United submitted a bid for the Slovenia international worth €75m (£65.5m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons, and they are ready to pay what it takes to RB Leipzig, which matches the current valuation for Leipzig for the striker.

The bid comes amid reports that starting striker Alexander Isak is set to leave St. James’ Park, with a move to Anfield already in motion. The player has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool, but Newcastle turned down an initial €110 million offer from the Reds.

Manchester United remain keen on signing Benjamin Šeško, having made their interest clear weeks ago. The club is in contact with both Šeško’s camp and RB Leipzig and has now informed the German side that they are ready to send in a formal bid, but only if the player gives the green light to join the Red Devils.

The uncertainty around Šeško’s future leaves him out of RB Leipzig’s pre-season friendly against Atalanta, with his exit from the club looking more likely.

The striker has reportedly informed his teammates of his departure. Šeško is weighing his options, with Manchester United also in the race. He’s said to be open to both projects.

United have made signing a new forward a top priority to strengthen their attack, while also planning to move players like Garnacho, Antony, Malacia, and Sancho before the transfer window closes.

There’s also interest in Rasmus Højlund, who is reportedly exploring loan options. However, the striker made his stance clear after scoring in a friendly against Bournemouth during the Premier League Summer Series. Speaking on his future, Højlund said: “My clear plan is to stay at Manchester United and be ready to fight for my spot here, whatever happens.”

If United seal the deal for Šeško, it would bring their total summer spending to around €200 million, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who is expected to make his debut against Everton on Sunday.

Šeško scored 18 goals in all competitions for RB Leipzig last season. His arrival would give Newcastle a strong replacement for Isak and boost their Champions League campaign. For Manchester United, the 22-year-old could ease the burden on Højlund and Zirkzee, improve the team’s goal-scoring form, and hopefully push them back into European competition and domestic title races.