Manchester United’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko has reportedly dented Liverpool’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak. Newcastle are said to be fearing that they will miss out on their ideal replacement for Isak after United hijacked their move for the Slovenia international.
Isak’s surprise decision to tell Newcastle that he wished to leave prompted a flurry of activity in the transfer window. The Magpies, who were already light in attack, knew they needed to source a replacement before allowing the 25-year-old to leave. Sesko is widely understood to have been their top target, but the RB Leipzig star is reportedly more interested in a move to Old Trafford. Whether Isak departs Newcastle hinges on whether the Tyneside outfit can find an alternative.
According to the Daily Mail, Man Utd’s strong interest in Sesko has therefore provoked fear at Newcastle. The 22-year-old is the Red Devils’ priority signing after Ruben Amorim missed out on Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres.
A new striker is high on the agenda in Manchester. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scored a combined seven Premier League goals last season, prompting Amorim to decide that a new centre-forward was required to play alongside summer arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
United now lead the race to sign Sesko and Newcastle could be set to miss out on the highly-coveted No. 9. That could prompt Newcastle to turn down any approach made by Liverpool for Isak.
Boss Eddie Howe has repeatedly said that any exit for their star man will need to be “right for the club”. It comes amid reports that Liverpool are preparing an offer. Newcastle are expected to demand at least £150m.
“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us,” Howe said during Newcastle’s trip to Seoul this week. “We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.
“My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club.”
If Isak leaves without Newcastle finding a replacement, Howe could enter the new Premier League season without a recognised centre-forward. Callum Wilson left on a free transfer last month, while highly-rated teenage striker Sean Neave is yet to make his competitive senior debut.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are targeting Isak despite spending a reported £79m on Hugo Ekitike earlier this summer. Luis Diaz’s departure to Bayern Munich for £65m is likely to give the Anfield outfit plenty of headroom for more new arrivals, amid a £300m splurge.