Newcastle are currently favourites to secure the services of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to reports.

The Telegraph‘s Matt Law, who is usually very reliable when it comes to transfers, cites “sources close to negotiations” who suggest that the Magpies are the “most likely destination” for the player ahead of rivals Manchester United.

While the Red Devils are not completely out of the race for Sesko, it doesn’t appear as if they will have the finances to match what Eddie Howe’s side can offer.

Another journalist, Fabrizio Romano, claims that Newcastle are ready to pay whatever Sesko demands, and they are also prepared to meet RB Leipzig’s asking price.

How much will Sesko cost?

Earlier in the summer, when Arsenal were holding talks to sign the forward, it was believed that Leipzig were holding out for €80m (£69m) up front.

However, reports in Germany over the past week or so claim that the Bundesliga side have lowered their demands for the Slovenian international to €70m (£60.5m).

A Chelsea transfer could impact Newcastle

With no Champions League football, Leipzig are keen to raise funds by selling one of their key assets, but Sesko is not the only player on the market. Xavi Simons is also expected to leave this summer, and Chelsea are currently in talks to buy the Dutchman.

At the moment, it is thought Leipzig are holding out for a fee in the region of £65m, and if they do agree to sell Simons to the Blues, they may be more reluctant to offload Sesko.

Therefore, it could well be a race against time to secure the services of the 22-year-old before Chelsea get Simons. There are likely to be plenty of twists and turns over the coming days.

In other news, David Ornstein has confirmed Newcastle fans’ worst fears following a shock transfer twist