Newcastle United have become the subject of heavy derision on social media as they appear set to miss out on Benjamin Sesko with the striker reportedly opting for a move to Manchester United instead.
Per The Athletic, the Bundesliga outfit have accepted a bid of £72million from Newcastle - but the 22-year-old's preference is said to be a move to Old Trafford.
That has seen Magpies fans been subject to numerous taunts across social media as their difficult summer continues.
One user wrote: 'You wouldn't be able to locate my head in our entire solar system if I was a Newcastle fan.'
A second added: 'I don’t get how Newcastle fans don’t understand why Isak wants to leave that club right now. They’ve hit double digits in rejections in one window.'
Another remarked: 'United have let Newcastle negotiate, sat in the office laughing at them, then sent a bid LOWER than theirs. What we’ve seen happen to the Geordies this summer is peak bullying.'
Eddie Howe's side have missed out on a number of transfer targets, including the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Marc Guehi and James Trafford - with Sesko appearing set to be the latest to add to that lengthy list.
Mail Sport also understands that AC Milan have rejected a £26million offer from Newcastle for Malick Thiaw.
While the Magpies remain in the hunt for the forward as they look to secure a replacement for their wantaway star Alexander Isak, there is a feeling that United would not have made an official approach if they had not received encouragement from the player's camp.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United's confidence in completing a deal has only grown 'stronger' following the submission of their bid and the club are of the belief that Sesko only has eyes for Old Trafford.
Furthermore, he claims that the club have forwarded an official contract proposal to the player while they 'keep negotiating' with Leipzig.
They have yet to respond to United’s bid, but Sesko will make the final decision over his future and is now considering his options with the club and his representatives.
United remained in the background while Newcastle made two attempts to strike a deal for the 22-year-old before officially entering the bidding on Tuesday, although sources are remaining tight-lipped over the move.
They hope that Sesko’s preference to move to Old Trafford will tip the balance in their favour even though the current offer appears to be marginally smaller. United chiefs believe their price matches the player’s market value.
On Tuesday, bookmakers Betfair suspended all bets for the Slovenian to move to Manchester United or Newcastle.
Sam Rosbottom, a spokesperson from the bookies, has said: 'Having been odds-on 8/15 favourites to sign Benjamin Sesko on Monday, betting is now suspended for Man United to seal a deal for the 22-year-old Slovenian.
'United have already secured deals for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to boost their attacking ranks this summer. With his future looking unlikely, Rasmus Hojlund is 3/10 to join RB Leipzig, heading in the opposite direction to Sesko.'
United have been keen to sign a centre-forward this summer after seeing No.1 target Liam Delap opt for Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres go to Liverpool and Arsenal.
They have already spent more than £130m on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to support a new centre-forward, with Rasmus Hojlund set to leave if a new signing comes in.
Newcastle, meanwhile, want Sesko to replace Isak who is intent on joining Liverpool. The Merseyside club have already had a £110m bid for Isak rejected and are unlikely to return with a better offer until Newcastle have a new striker in place.
Mail Sport previously reported that Sesko became United's No 1 choice should they sign a new striker this summer, ahead of Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.
Leipzig have an informal agreement in place to allow Sesko to go should they receive a suitable package from the right club, and talks were held with the Slovenian and his agent Elvis Basanovic over the weekend to discuss his next steps.
