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What Benjamin Sesko thinks about moving to Newcastle as talks get under way over potential club-record deal
TBR Football understands that Newcastle United have engaged in talks with Benjamin Sesko to try and convince him to move to St James’ Park.
The Magpies have stepped up their search for a new striker after it emerged that Alexander Isak wants a move away from Newcastle.
It is understood that Isak has prioritised Liverpool this summer, after asking Newcastle for an improved £300,000-a-week contract.
Newcastle are now in pursuit of Sesko, and TBR Football can reveal what the RB Leipzig forward thinks about the prospect of moving to Tyneside.
Benjamin Sesko is open to Newcastle move and wants to find out more
Sources have confirmed to TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Benjamin Sesko has already given the green light to talks with the North East giants.
The 22-year-old does like the idea of moving to Newcastle, but he still wants to assess the situation, so there is no agreement in place as things stand.
Sesko is available to move this summer as long as RB Leipzig’s asking price of around £70million is met, but now Newcastle need to persuade the player that St James’ Park is the right move for him.
We understand Newcastle would be prepared to break their club record to land Sesko.
The Magpies’ record spend for one player is £63million, but an initial £61million fee for Sesko plus add-ons could see the record broken.
Sesko has seen a move to Arsenal fail to materialise as they opted for Viktor Gyokeres, whilst talks have taken place with Manchester United.
Chelsea have also kept tabs on his situation, but Sesko’s camp have maintained the stance that he could remain in Germany for another season.
Now, with Alexander Isak’s future in serious doubt, Newcastle are moving ahead with a potential replacement in the shape of Sesko.
TBR Football exclusively revealed earlier this month that Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe had instructed the club’s recruitment team to look into Sesko.
They have done just that, and received an initial positive reaction from Sesko’s camp.
Now, talks are underway as Newcastle are outlining their plans to the Slovenian superstar.
READ MORE: How much Manchester City are now ready to bid for Tino Livramento as two alternative options emerge
What has inspired Newcastle to step up efforts for Benjamin Sesko
Bailey, speaking exclusively to TBR Football, confirmed that there are two main reasons why Newcastle have stepped up their efforts to sign Sesko.
The first is the change in circumstances regarding Isak’s future, and the second is Newcastle’s failure to land several big-name forwards so far this summer.
“I am told that talks have intensified in the last 48 hours, Newcastle are now actively working on this,” Bailey said. “The Isak situation has seen the situation change.
“Sesko is not the only forward they are talking to, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa also on their radar, but Newcastle want a couple of new faces.
“Having failed to land the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle are taking no chances now.
“They are working hard on the Sesko lead and are pushing hard – they think they are a great option for him.
“I am told that Sesko has known about Newcastle’s interest for some time and am told he does like the idea of moving to Tyneside, but wants to hear what they have to say.”