Transfer Talk: United, Chelsea and Newcastle chase 'next Haaland'

Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle are all mulling over a bid for £45million-rated FC Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko.

The 19-year-old Slovenian enjoyed an impressive first senior campaign last term, netting 11 goals in 37 appearances for the Austrian champions across all competitions. 

According to the Independent, Sesko is already on the radar of elite clubs around Europe due to his eye-catching mix of physical presence and technical ability.

Standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, the teenager possesses an intelligent all-round game, strong work-rate and is a proven finisher — inevitably drawing comparisons with former Salzburg star Erling Haaland.

Keenest of his admirers are said to be the Red Devils, who are seriously considering a bid, though the current asking price is currently felt to be based largely on his potential.

United chiefs have met with Sesko’s representatives in the last fortnight, as have officials from Chelsea and Newcastle — two clubs keen to reinforce their respective forward lines.

All three hold reservations over his ability to make an immediate impact but there is a collective feeling the forward’s valuation could rise significantly over the next 12 months.

Sesko is now considered Salzburg’s main marksman after the departure of Karim Adeyemi to Borussia Dortmund and bagged in his side's league opener against Austria Wien.

He is also a full international with Slovenia, grabbing his second goal for his country in their most recent outing, a 2-2 Nations League draw with Serbia in June.

In other news

Newcastle have been told that they must up their bid for Leicester midfielder James Maddison to £60m for a deal to progress, report Football Insider.

Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella, with 19-year-old Blues defender Levi Colwill potentially going in the opposite direction according to the Evening Standard.

Goal suggest newly-promoted duo Fulham and Bournemouth are battling it out for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, though the Reds are holding out for more than £10m.