Record bid for Sesko a true statement of intent from United

Newcastle have tabled a £78m bid for Benjamin Sesko

- By AARON STOKES

As of last night, there had been no green light from RB Leipzig after an improved bid of €90m (£78.4m) for the striker. Newcastle's total package looks set to work out at a fixed fee of €80m (£69.7m) and €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.

Manchester United responded with a bid of their own, potentially rising to €85m (£73.8m), with a guaranteed payment of €75m (£65.2m).

Newcastle's proposal would eclipse the £63m spent on Alexander Isak in 2022 and would place Sesko as one of the Premier League's most expensive purchases at the age of 22.

It would also be a statement of intent for a club seeking, desperately, to move closer to their rivals despite enduring a rather testing summer of transfer business.

Newcastle have missed out on big targets and could still lose Isak, against Eddie Howe's will, this month. This, at a time when the club is attempting to build on the success of last season. A deal of this nature, in theory, could bring United closer to that select group of Premier League heavyweights they are seeking to disrupt.