EXCLUSIVE: Howe makes Sesko major summer target as Newcastle seek rebuild

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 22 Jan 2024 12:39 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Newcastle have set their sights on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as a primary target for the upcoming summer transfer window, FootballTransfers has been told.

The talented young forward caught the attention of Newcastle's scouting team when he was playing for RB Salzburg and now there is belief that a deal could be done with the forward playing second fiddle to Lois Openda in Germany.

We are told Eddie Howe, who is keen on bolstering his squad for the upcoming season, has identified the 20-year-old as one of the club's major targets.

Sesko has impressed during his time with RB Leipzig and it's thought that the Austrian could be competition for Alexander Isak in the upcoming seasons, with Callum Wilson’s future uncertain.

Newcastle's pursuit of Sesko is part of the club's blueprint of bringing in rich, young, and upcoming talent. Some of the club’s best players are of veteran age and there is an ambition to bring the age of the squad down.

Bruno Guimaraes to Barcelona

It comes after our story earlier this month which detailed that Newcastle are open to letting Bruno Guimaraes leave in the summer for less than the release clause if Barcelona or Real Madrid make an offer.

The Brazilian international is almost certain to leave St James' Park upon the conclusion of this season, after signing fresh terms with the Magpies in October with a clause of £100million inserted into his new deal.

The midfielder’s ultimate ambition is a move to Camp Nou, with the Spanish giants being seen as the priority, and following talks Newcastle are prepared to let him leave for a lesser amount if it enables him to realise his dream of playing in Spain. The only sticking point would be of how Barcelona can afford it.

Newcastle will not entertain offers from Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, however. Each of those will have to meet the release clause in full.

We understand that Guimaraes wants to play Champions League football and Newcastle’s current league predicament means that is unlikely.

Indeed, the former Lyon man will be the club’s major sale this upcoming window as they look to keep in line with Financial Fair Play regulations.