Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly played against each other in a bizarre poker game while haunting RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
As reported by Mail Sport, both clubs work to sign the much -needed frontman, but neither of them have agreed a deal. Newcastle served a club record Bid in worth just under less than £ 70 million, consisting of £ 65.5 million in advance, but it is unlikely that it will be accepted.
That has left the door open for United, who did not make their first official offer.
Leipzig has an informal agreement to allow Sesko if they receive a suitable package from the right club, and conversations were held with the Slovenian and his agent Elvis Basanovic on weekends to discuss his next steps.
From Monday, however, there is no concrete indication that Sesko has finally chosen his next destination. And in a bomb development, the German Outlet Bild even claimed that he told both clubs that he only wants to add to them.
As a result, it is said that all parties are looking for the 22-year-old to make a decision. Newcastle has set a strict deadline and wants clarity today.
Contact was made with his camp on Sunday, but with the Premier League season that starts a week on Saturday, the club may have to quickly switch their attention to other goals. Mail Sport understands that PSG striker Goncalo Ramos is on their shortlist.
Sesko would not have been fully convinced by the proposal of St James' Park and Bild that he would prefer to choose United instead.
Anyway, there is still hope from Newcastle and they continue to negotiate the composition of a £ 70 million package with Bundesliga Giants Leipzig.
Newcastle is actively working on securing a potential successor to Alexander Isak, who has made it clear that he wants to become a member of Liverpool this summer. After a first bid of £ 110 million was rejected, the Swede returned to the training with the Magpies on Monday.
Liverpool is expected to return with an improved offer, but Newcastle will probably only entertain, so that Isak can leave if they make progress in a replacement.
Bild has claimed that an official offer of United will only be submitted if Sesko rejects Newcastle and is only committed to their project. However, it is said that the striker also needs a guarantee that the cash-kicked Red Devils can pay the deal.
The interest of United is by the director of the recruitment of Christopher Vivell, who previously worked with Sesko at RB Salzburg and described the 6ft 4 Forward as the potential to become one of the world's top strikers.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has also made him a priority, even though he has already introduced Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to strengthen the attack.
Last season, promising talent Sesko scored 21 goals in all competitions and has 16 goals in 41 senior international performances for Slovenia.
In the meantime, United Chief Executive Omar Bercrada says that the club 'works around' to strengthen the team before the window closes.
'We have to do a lot of multi-tasking. We have a team at home under the leadership of (director of Voetbal) Jason (Wilcox), the recruitment team, which works around the clock to ensure that we continue to find opportunities to strengthen our team.
'There are many late phone calls and early morning meetings to ensure that we stay on top. What we want to do is win and start winning titles as soon as possible. Add players helps.
'We have seen the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon. They have really adapted well. '