Newcastle United have two names in mind to replace Alexander Isak, including Benjamin Sesko’s teammate

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Newcastle United may have to face up to the reality of losing Alexander Isak as he explores a move away from St James’ Park.

Toon fans were rocked on Thursday morning when it emerged that Isak was not going to Asia for the club’s pre-season trip. Unfortunately, even more crushing news was on the horizon.

Isak is open to leaving Newcastle this summer, despite having a contract at St James’ Park until 2028.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Who Newcastle United could replace Alexander Isak with

If Newcastle United do end up selling Alexander Isak, they will need to replace him. That would be extremely difficult, but there are options out there for Eddie Howe.

That is according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who has exclusively told Geordie Boot Boys that RB Leipzig duo Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda are both on the Magpies’ radar as replacements for Isak.

“There is still plenty of time for Newcastle to do things, if they have to sign a replacement,” he said.

“As we have alluded to before, Benjamin Sesko is a player who they have looked at before and Eddie Howe really likes. The same goes for Lois Openda, who they have watched and are fans of.

“There are plenty of options out there for Newcastle. The Wissa situation is still ongoing.”

What happened during Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak talks as two clubs eye Newcastle United striker

Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe did hold talks with Isak and his representatives earlier this summer. However, they did not lead to a contract agreement.

Now Isak has expressed a desire to seek a move away, with Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that two clubs are interested in striking a deal.

“Newcastle have known this was coming for most of the summer,” he said.

“Eddie Howe met with Isak’s agents last month and nothing transpired. As we have alluded to, there has not been a lot of smoke coming out of anywhere. Now we know why.

“It is clear that Isak is not ready to sign a new deal. Isak wants £300,000-a-week. Unfortunately for Newcastle fans, it is not transpiring how they would like.

“Is it a coincidence that Liverpool have been accelerating their interest and were not backing away from Isak at any point? Of course it is not.

“There is emerging interest from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Would Isak be willing to move to the Saudi Pro League? That is not known, but it would come as a surprise.

“Liverpool have got the money to afford Isak no matter what. Luis Diaz is probably going, with Bayern Munich interested. Darwin Nunez could leave too. They do not need the money from those players though.”