Newcastle United find reprieve as top target chooses St James' Park over Premier League rivals

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Just when it looked like Manchester United would win the race for Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle United have made their move count.

According to the Slovenian outlet Delo, the Magpies have come in the pole position to land the highly-rated Slovenian striker.

Sesko, who plays for RB Leipzig had been tracked by several top English clubs this summer, with Arsenal showing early interest before turning their focus to Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Manchester United then made a strong push, confident that the player's admiration for the club would outweigh the absence of Champions League football.

Despite their optimism, it now appears the striker from Radece has been swayed by Newcastle's sporting project and long-term vision.

Leipzig, who failed to secure European qualification last season, are open to letting Sesko leave, with his price tag estimated between €70m [$80m] and €80m [$92m].

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While no formal agreement has been reached yet between Newcastle and Leipzig, Slovenian outlet claims the player has already given his approval to a move to St James' Park.

Newcastle's pursuit of Sesko has been picked up after Liverpool submitted a bid for Alexander Isak, which was immediately rejected by the Magpies.

The Saudi-backed club has insisted on reinforcing their forward line regardless of Isak's future, and Sesko has remained a priority target since the beginning of June.

When asked directly about the emerging reports during Newcastle's pre-season tour of South Korea, manager Eddie Howe refused to confirm or deny any part of the developing situation.

"I am sorry to sound like a broken record. I am aware of what is happening but I am not dealing with it. I woke up today and had two training sessions then came straight here," Howe said [ via The Chronicle]

"I am finding out what is happening after it has happened. We will try to bring the best to the football club, I will make that clear, but I can't talk about individual targets."

While Newcastle still need to reach an agreement with Leipzig, the player's stance could make matter more easier.