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Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Arsenal, Transfers
Ryan Smart
Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Arsenal, Transfers
Newcastle have drawn up a shortlist of three players to replace Alexander Isak in the event that the striker is sold this summer, according to a new report.
Isak has been arguably the best centre forward in world football this season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions.
He has spearheaded Newcastle into the Carabao Cup final, though the Swede is a doubt for the clash against Liverpool at Wembley due to injury.
Isak's form has caught the attention of teams around world football, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona among the clubs believed to have a firm interest in signing him.
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It is claimed that Newcastle would only entertain bids of at least £150 million to sell the striker, who has three years left on his contract.
In a Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein was asked about Isak's future, and responded that the Swede is on Liverpool's radar.
He said: "If the opportunity arose [Liverpool want to sign him]. But that's a big if. Newcastle have no intention of selling their best player and, understandably, don't welcome this kind of conversation."
But the Daily Mail report that the Magpies have still drawn up contingency plans in case Isak does leave St James' Park in the summer.
It is claimed that Newcastle's chief scout Steve Nickson has personally attended games to watch RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Lille's Jonathan David in action.
Both players have featured in the Champions League this season, with David scoring during Lille's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool in the group stages.
The Canadian has already scored eight goals in the competition out of 21 total goals for the season.
Sesko, meanwhile, has 17 strikes to his name in all competitions, including four in the Champions League. He was tentatively linked with a surprise loan move to Arsenal in January but his agent quickly rubbished those reports.
The third player on Newcastle's radar, meanwhile, is said to Ipswich forward Liam Delap, who has been the Tractor Boys' star player as they battle against the prospect of an immediate relegation from the Premier League.
Delap has 10 goals to his name this term, including a strike in what could yet prove to be a crucial 2-1 win over Chelsea at Portman Road last year.
The Englishman is the son of Stoke icon Rory Delap, who spent a season at Newcastle's bitter rivals Sunderland between 2005 and 2006.