Newcastle have submitted a second bid for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, sources have told the PA news agency.
Newcastle had an initial offer, reportedly worth £65.4 million ($86.9m) with a further £4.3m in potential add-ons, rejected last week for the Slovenia international, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
An improved offer of £69.7m plus add-ons has now been submitted to the Bundesliga club, sources have told PA.
Recent reports in Slovenia claimed the 22-year old would prefer a move to St. James’ Park rather than Old Trafford.
He was left out of Leipzig’s squad for their friendly against Atalanta on Saturday.
Should Newcastle succeed in landing Sesko — who has been capped 41 times by Slovenia and scored 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last season — it could have a huge bearing on the future of striker Alexander Isak.
Newcastle have rejected a £110m bid from Liverpool for the Sweden international, who had been training at former club Real Sociedad after revealing he could be open to a move.
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Isak headed back to Tyneside on Monday for talks with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe as the rest of the squad returned from their pre-season trip to Singapore and South Korea.
Howe’s side are also pursuing an interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and the success of bringing in one, or both, of their targets could be key to Isak’s future.
Should Howe be satisfied with the 25-year old’s commitment, Newcastle will be keen to keep hold of a player who scored 23 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season and whose contract runs until the summer of 2028.
