Newcastle United remain in talks for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after a bid in the region of £70million was rejected last week.
The Magpies are looking to sign another striker this summer, but they have been met with a series of roadblocks in their efforts.
It is clear that Newcastle United are ready to spend big on a striker, with bids above their existing transfer record already being made. Last month, Newcastle were in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike, with reports stating an offer around £70million was turned down by the Bundesliga side before he joined Liverpool.
Newcastle have now turned their attentions to Benjamin Sesko, but are yet to come to an agreement for him. It was confirmed that Newcastle’s opening offer for Sesko was turned down, with Leipzig eager to have a sell-on clause included in the deal.
The Magpies must be wary, as Manchester United are also interested in signing Sesko and are prepared to match any offer Newcastle make. Man United are yet to bid for Sesko, but an offer will surely be on the way if Newcastle agree a fee.
While the race for Sesko continues, it is clear why Newcastle are so desperate to spend big money on a striker.
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Newcastle United’s hope of signing Benjamin Sesko suggests Alexander Isak will leave
It is clear that the summer transfer window has not gone to plan for Newcastle. Only two signings have been made for the first team, with Anthony Elanga the only player who improves the starting XI. Aaron Ramsdale has joined Newcastle on loan, but he is likely to be the second-choice goalkeeper next season.
Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle is still unknown. The 25-year-old has made it clear that he is open to leaving the club this summer amid interest from Liverpool.
It has been confirmed that Isak is at Newcastle training ground, with the initial feeling that they were for talks with Eddie Howe. However, it was only for rehab on his thigh as Howe and the Newcastle players are resting after flying back from Asia. The outcome of that meeting will surely determine whether he stays at the club or leaves this summer.
With Newcastle so eager to sign Sesko, it suggests that those inside the club believe Isak will not be at the club for much longer. Even if he were to stay, it is likely that a similar transfer saga will ensue next season, and Sesko will be his successor on Tyneside.
Ideally, Isak will stay at Newcastle and will be a partner for Sesko next season, and the pair will form a partnership which strikes fear into any defence in the Premier League, but fans will have to wait and see if the Swede will be a Newcastle player next summer.
What must happen before Alexander Isak leaves Newcastle United
While Liverpool remain interested in Isak, the feelings are still clear: Newcastle do not want to sell him.
However, if he were to go, Newcastle would like the fee to be in the region of £150million. Liverpool’s first bid was around £110million, way off the Magpies’ valuation.
It has been confirmed that Newcastle must sign a replacement for Isak before he is allowed to leave, hence the recent bid for Sesko. If the 22-year-old does not join, it could be the case that Isak is not allowed to go, even if a resolution cannot be found during talks at the training ground on Monday.
While Sesko is clearly Newcastle’s top target, there are several others who could replace him. Newcastle are linked with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, while the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and Nicolas Jackson are also being considered.
Elsewhere, Newcastle remain in talks for Yoane Wissa, but he is seen as a replacement for Callum Wilson, rather than Isak.
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