A few days ago, it was said that Newcastle were preparing a £25m bid for RB Salzburg prodigy Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenia international also attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea as a result of his fine performances in Austria, but now, all three Premier League sides have missed out.
What’s the story?
Well, as is often the case when it comes to transfers involving RB Salzburg gems, Sesko has completed a move to another side involved in the Red Bull group – RB Leipzig.
The 19-year-old joins the Bundesliga side in a deal worth €24m (£20m) – strangely less than the offer Dan Ashworth was supposedly preparing to make for Newcastle.
Sesko will rejoin the Austrian outfit on loan for the 2022/23 campaign, before kickstarting his stint in Germany from the 2023/24 season.
It means Eddie Howe will now have to look elsewhere for a striker.
Sesko’s agent – Elvir Basanovic – teased the Toon Army by posting a photo of himself dining in Newcastle, fuelling speculation that his client could be on his way to St James’ Park.
If talks were held, they weren’t enough for the Magpies to beat RB Leipzig to the teenager.
Interest in Sesko came after he scored ten goals in 36 appearances last season, while also providing seven assists.
Who Newcastle can turn to after Benjamin Sesko upset
After losing Sesko to RB Leipzig, Eddie Howe does at least have alternatives.
There is said to be interest in Marseille striker Bamba Dieng, who is also a target for Crystal Palace and West Ham.
Newcastle are also supposedly interested in signing Watford forward Ismaila Sarr, who scored a stunning goal from inside his own half against West Brom last night.
There are clearly irons in the fire for Newcastle, and we believe Howe will land another striker before the transfer deadline.
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