Manchester United and Newcastle were locked in a tense pursuit of Benjamin Sesko this summer, with both clubs identifying the RB Leipzig star as a priority attacking target.
Sesko, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, took time to consider his options, with both sporting projects laid out to him over the course of several weeks.
But once the Slovenian made clear his preference to join United, negotiations between the clubs moved swiftly and an agreement worth up to £73.7million was finalised earlier this week.
Newcastle, having learned of Sesko’s decision, formally withdrew from the race – leaving them scrambling for alternatives in the final weeks of the window.
According to DaveOCKOP’s exclusive, Newcastle are now exploring a shock move for Michail Antonio, who is currently a free agent after being released by West Ham.
The 34-year-old’s contract expired at the end of last season and the Hammers confirmed they would not be offering him a new first-team deal, following a serious car accident in December 2024.
Antonio did briefly return to play for Jamaica and made a friendly appearance for West Ham’s U21s.
However his time in east London has officially come to an end.
Newcastle are now considering the veteran as a short-term option, with the club increasingly desperate to reinforce their forward line.
Callum Wilson has already left to join West Ham on a free, and with Alexander Isak pushing for a move to Liverpool, Eddie Howe’s striker department is in flux.
The Magpies are also looking at Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, although that won’t be an easy deal to strike with the numbers involved.
Fans have remained shocked at the contrast between both Newcastle’s and United’s windows this summer.
Newcastle who qualified for Champions League qualification last season, have lost out on several targets.
Meanwhile, United who finished 15th last season with no European football on the horizon, have had a fantastic window to say the least.
