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The race to sign Benjamin Sesko has cranked up a gear with Manchester United and Newcastle in a transfer tug-of-war. Both Premier League rivals are battling for the RB Leipzig star as part of their summer plans to add reinforcements to their frontline.
Eddie Howe's side has already faced disappointment during the transfer window after missing out on their targets this summer. Bryan Mbeumo already turned down a move to St James' Park, in favour of an Old Trafford switch, and they could face fresh disappointment.
Reports suggest that Sesko prefers a move to the Theatre of Dreams, despite speculation suggesting that he has agreed personal terms with the top-flight rivals.
With that being said, the MEN looks at the latest surrounding Sesko.
United closing in on Sesko deal
United are closing in a deal to sign Sesko, with the player's preference of a move to Old Trafford set to prove decisive.
There is no direct agreement between United and Leipzig yet, but the Manchester Evening News reported on Wednesday morning that Sesko prefers a switch to Ruben Amorim's side over Newcastle with talks advancing towards a conclusion.
United have bid €75million (£65.3m) plus €10m (£8.7) in add-ons, which is lower than Newcastle's bid of €82.5m (£71.8m) plus €2.5m (£2.2m) in add-ons.
But there is confidence that the Slovenia international would prefer to sign for United, despite Newcastle being able to offer Champions League football this season.
United 'believe' Sesko preference
United are understood to have submitted an opening offer for the striker worth just under £74million, after it had emerged on Tuesday afternoon.
Reports throughout the evening and overnight intensified suggesting that the feeling around the deal at Old Trafford was even stronger.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the club believes that Sesko only wants to move to Manchester and it comes after the official contract proposal was reportedly sent to the Bundesliga club.
In a tweet, he said: "Understand Manchester United’s feeling from earlier today is even stronger tonight…
…the club believes Benjamin Šeško only wants to join Manchester United.
"Man United forwarded [an] official contract proposal to Šeško while also keep[ing]
negotiating with RB Leipzig.