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Sesko ‘chooses between Newcastle and Man Utd’ opening door to Isak exit

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Newcastle United have submitted a club-record offer worth £70 million to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

The bid, which aligns with the Bundesliga club’s valuation, consists of €75 million (£65.5 million) plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in performance-related add-ons.

Manchester United are also in the race for the 22-year-old forward, but Newcastle have acted swiftly to meet Leipzig’s asking price.

Sesko is believed to have a gentleman’s agreement with RB Leipzig that allows him to leave if the right offer comes in — and Newcastle’s bid appears to meet those terms.

Both Newcastle and Manchester United are said to have held talks with his representatives, with sources indicating that Sesko is open to joining either club.

Since making the switch from Red Bull Salzburg to Leipzig two years ago, the striker has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances, attracting attention from several Premier League teams, including Arsenal.

While reports from Slovenia suggest he may be leaning towards a move to Newcastle over Ruben Amorim’s side, other sources claim he is still weighing up his options.

Though Manchester United were believed to be Sesko’s initial preference, the lure of Champions League football and a concrete offer from Newcastle could tip the scales in their favor.

United, who won’t be participating in any European competition this season, are reportedly still weighing up their approach to a potential transfer.

Christopher Vivell, Manchester United’s recruitment chief and a former associate of Sesko during their time at RB Salzburg, is understood to be driving the club’s interest.

Vivell has previously spoken highly of Sesko’s physical attributes and goal-scoring instincts, calling him one of the most promising forwards in the world game today.

Should Newcastle succeed in landing Sesko, it could pave the way for Alexander Isak’s potential departure.

The Swedish striker has long been on Liverpool’s radar, but the Reds’ recent formal offer of £110 million was turned down by Newcastle, who are holding out for a figure closer to £150 million.

Isak, who joined for £68 million and bagged 23 Premier League goals last season, remains the club’s record signing and most prized asset.

Newcastle have made it clear that any departure for Isak will only happen once a top-quality replacement is secured — and they see Sesko as the perfect candidate to fill that role.

Manager Eddie Howe has emphasized the club’s approach to business, stating that they aim to operate respectfully and responsibly in the transfer market.

He noted that the club tries to handle player acquisitions in a professional and ethical manner, without causing disruption to others.

Liverpool, under new head coach Arne Slot, had previously hijacked Newcastle’s efforts to sign Hugo Ekitike, eventually bringing the forward in from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million. Meanwhile, Isak has reportedly pulled out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour and is training individually at his former club, Real Sociedad, as speculation around his future intensifies. Newcastle have cited a thigh injury as the reason for his absence.

Sesko, who registered 21 goals across all competitions last season and has netted 16 times in 41 appearances for the Slovenian national team, is drawing comparisons to Erling Haaland due to his size, speed, and finishing ability. Newcastle view him as a ready-made replacement should Isak depart.

If Sesko chooses the Tyneside project, Manchester United may have to restart their search for a No. 9 — a position they’ve struggled to fill effectively in recent years. Amorim’s side, which struggled to convert chances last season, had hoped that securing Sesko would solve their issues in front of goal.

Concerned that they could miss out on Sesko, Newcastle had briefly turned their attention to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, although Villa have no intention of selling the England international this summer. The Magpies also entered discussions with Brentford regarding Yoane Wissa, but Sesko remains their top target.

Sesko and Watkins were both shortlisted as potential targets for Manchester United. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund’s future is still up in the air, despite the Danish striker openly stating his intention to remain at the club and fight for a starting role.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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