RB Leipzig have rejected Newcastle United’s €80million offer for striker Benjamin Sesko, dealing a significant blow to the club’s striker succession plans amid continued uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak and his more-than-likely sale to Liverpool.

Manchester United are lining up their first offer for Benjamin Sesko after Newcastle started what RB Leipzig hope will become a “bidding war” for the striker. Newcastle have tabled an offer worth £69.8million including add-ons and United are said to be ready to match that bid after fresh talks with Leipzig over the weekend.

The bid is comprised of €75m up front with a further €5m in potential add-ons, and was tabled by Newcastle in the past 24 hours.