--- title: "Newcastle “working” on deal for £70m “long-standing” target" canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-sesko-premier-league-transfers-news-rumours-nufc/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Rebekka Arnold" section: "Newcastle United" published: "2025-07-25T14:08:11Z" modified: "2025-07-25T14:08:13Z" --- # Newcastle “working” on deal for £70m “long-standing” target Newcastle United aren’t have the summer transfer window they had hoped for, and another blow on a long-term target was delivered this morning. The Magpies have held an interest in [Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford](https://onefootball.com/en/news/newcastle-reignite-trafford-talks-with-man-city-circling-41422690) for two years and had been working on a deal to finally secure his signature this summer. However, it has now been revealed that Trafford will rejoin Manchester City instead. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, [Newcastle missed their opportunity](https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1948715284845547986) at a crucial moment: “Newcastle had chance to close James Trafford deal pre Club World Cup. Man City not considering 22yo goalkeeper at that point but #NUFC offer too low. By time bid raised too late as #MCFC arrived + convinced #BurnleyFC & England U21 int’l @TheAthleticFC” This latest near-miss is the story of Newcastle’s summer so far. The club has already missed out on several striker targets, including [Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/13401270/alexander-isak-transfer-news-newcastle-future-analysed-and-liverpool-finances-explained-as-striker-explores-options), all of whom opted to join other Premier League sides. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for the North East giants with weeks remaining in the transfer window. It was revealed this week that the club are keen to [sign Sesko either to partner Alexander Isak](https://x.com/David_Ornstein/status/1948411798689923208) or to replace him, as the Swedish striker has reportedly [expressed a desire to leave St James’ Park](https://newcastleunitednews.org/blog/newcastle-united-transfer-news-alexander-isak-4/) this summer. Now, transfer insider Ben Jacobs has given an update on [Newcastle’s progress in the negotiations](https://x.com/JacobsBen/status/1948702223833157657?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet) for Sesko on X: “Newcastle working today to try and agree personal terms with Benjamin Sesko.” “Leipzig prepared to sell but not an easy deal for Newcastle to structure. However, a bid is anticipated.” “Sesko a long-standing target.” ## Should Newcastle sign Benjamin Sesko? ![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-02-01T192426Z_2098910135_UP1EL211HWOZJ_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-GERMANY-FCU-RBL-REPORT-1024x726.jpg) There’s no doubt that Newcastle fans are desperate for some positive news regarding the future of the squad. Regardless of Isak’s future, the signing of a striker must be a top priority for the Magpies before they head into the new season, where they will add European football to their already congested schedule. Sesko has contributed [39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/benjamin-sesko/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/627442) for Leipzig, averaging a goal involvement every 117 minutes, a level of consistency that would be warmly welcomed on Tyneside. At just 22 years old, the Slovenian striker would represent a long-term project for Eddie Howe, with notable strengths in [aerial duels and dribbling](https://www.whoscored.com/players/424191/show/benjamin-sesko). Former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell waxed lyrical about [Sesko’s profile](https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/benjamin-sesko-who-is-rb-leipzig-new-striker-next-erling-haaland-23668) as a striker: “Benjamin Šeško is among the game’s top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player.” “He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air.” “Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.” Leipzig are reportedly asking for [€80m (£70m)](), though it remains to be seen what Newcastle are willing to offer for the highly-rated forward. At this point, Newcastle have no time left to rest on their laurels; they need to sign a striker before the new Premier League season kicks off in just three weeks if they are to compete comfortably on all fronts.