Eddie Howe makes Benjamin Sesko admission amid Manchester United and Newcastle transfer battle

Eddie Howe makes Benjamin Sesko admission amid Manchester United and Newcastle transfer battle

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is attracting interest from Man United and Newcastle United.

Benjamin Sesko is on the radar of both Manchester United and Newcastle. (Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)

Eddie Howe has admitted he is "finding out what is happening after it has happened" as Newcastle continue to battle with Manchester United for the signing of Benjamin Sesko.

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The RB Leipzig striker has emerged as a leading target for both clubs amid their quests to sign a striker before the end of this summer's transfer window.

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As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Wednesday, United are advancing with a potential deal for the 22-year-old, who scored 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last season. Newcastle are also keen amid fears they could lose Alexander Isak.

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Overnight, a report by Slovenian newspaper DELO claimed Sesko has made the decision to join Newcastle, choosing the Magpies over a move to Old Trafford.

When that claim was put to Howe at a press conference ahead of his side's pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur, Howe played down suggestions a deal is close.

"I am sorry to sound like a broken record, I am aware of what is happening but I am not dealing with it," Howe told our sister title, Chronicle Live. "I woke up today and had two training sessions then came straight here.

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"I am finding out what is happening after it has happened, so we will try to bring the best to the football club - I will make that clear - but I can't talk about individual targets."

Earlier this week, it was communicated that United had put Sesko and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins at the top of their striker wish list. However, Villa have no interest in selling the England international this summer.

Sesko, who has four years left on his Leipzig contract, has scored 39 goals in 87 matches for the German club.

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