Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle United have lodged competing bids for highly-rated RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, according to reports from German outlet Bild.
Manchester United formally submitted an €85 million bid on Tuesday, which includes performance-based add-ons. This follows Newcastle United’s two-tiered offer, which began with an €80 million proposal on Saturday and was increased to a €90 million package on Monday.
Šeško, 22, is considered one of Europe’s most promising centre-forwards. Despite RB Leipzig’s underwhelming Bundesliga campaign last season, the Slovenian international managed 13 goals and five assists. He has also netted 16 goals in 41 appearances for the Slovenia national team.
With mounting transfer interest, Leipzig opted to leave Šeško out of Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Serie A side Atalanta, which ended in a 2–1 defeat for the German side. Sporting director Marcel Schaefer confirmed the striker’s omission, citing “very concrete interests from several clubs.”
The Red Devils are undergoing a significant squad overhaul after enduring their worst top-flight finish in over five decades and a Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Erik ten Hag has already secured the signings of forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but a marquee striker remains a priority.
Šeško’s potential arrival at Old Trafford could cast doubt over the future of Danish striker Rasmus Højlund, who joined United from Atalanta for a reported €75 million in 2023. Reports suggest the club may now be willing to offload Højlund for €35 million—less than half his original fee.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s pursuit of Šeško is seen as a proactive move amid speculation linking their top scorer, Alexander Isak, with a potential switch to Premier League champions Liverpool. The Magpies secured a fifth-place finish last season, earning a Champions League spot and boosting their ambition to strengthen the squad for the upcoming campaign.
RB Leipzig are yet to make a decision, but with two major offers on the table, a transfer appears increasingly likely in the coming days.
