NEWCASTLE UNITED are ready to test Red Bull Salzburg’s resolve to hold on to Benjamin Sesko by tabling a more formal inquiry over the 19-year-old forward.

The Magpies kicked off the new Premier League season in impressive fashion yesterday, with second-half goals from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson securing a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, but speaking after the game, Eddie Howe confirmed his desire to further strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

Howe remains keen to add a striker and a wide attacker, with Sesko having been on the club’s wanted list all summer. The teenager can play as a central forward or in a wide position, and has started the current campaign in fine form, claiming a goal and two assists in Salzburg’s opening three league matches.

Newcastle inquired about Sesko, who has also been the subject of interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, last month, but were told Salzburg did not want to sell. It was also suggested at the time that the youngster would prefer to remain in Austria for another season before looking to move on next summer.

However, having been unable to pull off a deal for Hugo Ekitike, Moussa Diaby or Armando Broja, and with Leicester City still adamant they do not want to sell James Maddison, Newcastle’s recruitment team are ready to revisit their interest in Sesko.

It has been suggested that Salzburg would demand around €50m if they decided they were willing to do business, but the Magpies hierarchy are understood to be considering an initial offer of around €30m as an up-front payment, with a series of clauses potentially taking the final price of the deal much higher.

Howe and the rest of Newcastle’s recruitment operation have also been monitoring Goncalo Guedes’ situation, with the Portuguese winger set to leave Valencia in the next few days.

Newcastle are aware of Valencia’s willingness to cash in on the 25-year-old, but talks with Wolves are understood to be at an advanced stage and it might well prove difficult for the Magpies to hijack the deal at such a late stage.

Guedes claimed 11 goals and six assists in 36 league appearances last season, and has scored seven goals in 32 senior international appearances for Portugal.