Sunderland boost Newcastle United's chances of signing Benjamin Sesko - Sky Sports
As Newcastle United wait for Benjamin Sesko to decide on his future, a decision from Sunderland has opened the door a bit wider for the Slovenian to join the Magpies.
Newcastle have already lodged a bid for Benjamin Sesko that meets RB Leipzig's demands. While conflicting reports continue to do the rounds as to whether or not the bid has been accepted, the fact remains, Sesko still has a decision to make.
Manchester United are also keen on the Slovenian striker, but haven't yet made a bid. Again, depending on where you're looking, Sesko either wants the move to Newcastle or he wants the move to Manchester.
Until he states definitively, it's all just guesswork. Similarly, until he makes that decision, everything is up in the air for Newcastle, and indeed Liverpool, who are waiting for movement before making another bid for Alexander Isak.
Sunderland will not pursue Lois Openda
Meanwhile, as we wait for a decision, Sunderland has been linked with Sesko's Leipzig teammate, Lois Openda, who had also been linked with Man United earlier in the window.
The feeling was that if Openda were to leave Leipzig, it would become very unlikely that they'd sanction the sale of Sesko.
However, Sky Sports has now reported that Sunderland will not be making a move for Openda, which means the move for Sesko is still alive.
Things should start to gather pace this week
It's not often we get favours from Sunderland, but this could turn out to be one. Of course it's a moot point if Sesko picks Man United.
Newcastle will be hoping that the Sesko saga will be resolved this week, which in turn should see a resolution on the Isak situation.
With Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak both back in Blighty, things could start to move quickly.
