NEWCASTLE are set to fail in their club-record £70million bid for Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko – but will return with an improved offer.
Toon are offering £65.5m up front plus £4.3m in add-ons but the German club are expected to turn down the offer.
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Leipzig are hoping for a bidding war between Manchester United and Newcastle, who are set to lose Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
Even if both clubs offer the same amount, Leipzig will look to increase the size of add-ons and the sell-on percentage.
Sesko, 22, is certain to leave Leipzig and he was left out of the club’s 2-1 friendly against Atalanta on Saturday.
The forward is understood to be happy to join EITHER club.
Leipzig sporting director Marcel Shafer said: “Due to the very concrete interest from several clubs, we have decided that he will not play today.
“When I say that strong interest has been registered and approaches have been made, it’s obvious what has happened.
“I would like to make it clear that this does not mean that he is on his way to another club.
“And it also does not mean that Benji will not be playing next week.”
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Yet Sesko is still unlikely to play again for the club particularly as Leipzig are also keen to sell the player.
Leipzig are also set to sell Dutch forward Xavi Simons to Chelsea.
Simons missed the Atalanta game with a neck issue although he could cost Chelsea up to £60m.
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