1 week ago
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Newcastle is set to shift its focus to alternative targets as Manchester United emerge as the front-runner to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, having tabled an offer for the highly coveted striker.
The Magpies had already earmarked a new No 9 for this summer before rumors linking Alexander Isak with Liverpool began to circulate. It comes as Isak was told to train alone on Wednesday by boss Eddie Howe as uncertainty surrounds his future.
Newcastle's transfer endeavours have been fraught with setbacks this summer. The club had its sights set on Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and even placed a bid for the Frenchman, only to watch him make the move to Anfield instead.
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo are among other forwards who have opted for different clubs after being pursued by Newcastle this summer.
Now, the Magpies are preparing for further disappointment in their chase for Sesko, who is believed to prefer a move to Manchester United.
With this in mind, talkSPORT suggests that Ollie Watkins, Nicolas Jackson, Yoane Wissa and Lois Openda are now on Newcastle's radar as potential alternatives.
Aston Villa's Watkins has previously been associated with both Arsenal and United, while interest in Wissa has surfaced before. The DR Congo forward has also been linked with Tottenham.
Jackson could potentially depart Chelsea this summer and has also been connected with United. Openda, on the other hand, netted nine goals in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig, who are bracing themselves for Sesko's exit.
With Newcastle finding it tough to secure their top striker targets, Liverpool's pursuit of Isak is on shaky ground.
The Reds are reportedly prepared to break the British transfer record for a second time this summer to bring in Isak, having already agreed to shell out around $155 million, including add-ons, for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Sesko was seen as the kind of marquee signing that could potentially cushion the blow of losing a player of Isak's caliber.
However, the Slovenian striker's inclination towards a move to United might thwart - or at least postpone - Liverpool's bid for Isak.
Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Isak had been instructed to train alone following a family activity day, after recently training away from the group in Spain.
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