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Newcastle has prepared a list of four potential striker replacements in the event of Alexander Isak's exit.
The Magpies are readying themselves for bids after it was revealed on Thursday that the 25-year-old is keen to depart St. James' Park. This follows an approach from Liverpool, who has indicated its willingness to part with a British-record £120 million ($161.2 million) for the Swedish player.
Newcastle's response was to declare that Isak is not on the market, leading Liverpool to swiftly shift its attention to Hugo Ekitike, another player on Newcastle's radar. Despite finalising a staggering deal with Eintracht Frankfurt for Ekitike, Liverpool's interest in Isak persists.
While manager Eddie Howe remains confident that his star player will stay put, Newcastle is formulating backup plans that could trigger a domino effect in the Premier League.
A report from the Daily Mail has disclosed the four strikers that Newcastle are currently researching: Nicolas Jackson, Ollie Watkins, Yoane Wissa, and Benjamin Sesko.
Howe's club has already tabled an offer for Wissa, which Brentford promptly turned down, while Watkins and Jackson are also on Manchester United's radar.
Benjamin Sesko was in discussions to join Arsenal before the Gunners ultimately opted for Viktor Gyokeres, whose transfer was confirmed on Saturday.
Wissa, who netted 19 times for Brentford last season, is keen to move on with just a year left on his contract.
Watkins has proven his worth in the Premier League, scoring 75 goals and providing 34 assists in 184 matches for Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Jackson's standing at Chelsea has slipped after the club signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
Conversely, Sesko is considered a valuable asset by RB Leipzig, who are likely to demand around £70 million ($94.1 million)
Howe faced numerous questions about Isak's future during a press conference in Singapore on Saturday.
When asked if the Liverpool target would stay, Howe responded: "I said after the Celtic game, I certainly hope he stays, and I said I was confident he would stay.
"I don't see anything that will change that opinion of mine at the moment - but it's football and who knows what the future may bring? We are in a very strong position financially.
"We are determined to be successful, be ambitious. We have got a great season ahead of us, and we need to add to the squad and continue to improve. The journey will continue in an upward trajectory, and that's what we all want."
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