Newcastle decide top target to replace Alexander Isak if he completes Liverpool move and it's bad news for another Premier League club

Newcastle fans must have thought they’d dodged a bullet after Liverpool completed the signing of Hugo Ekitike from German side Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported £70 million.

Sure, they missed out on one of their top targets for the summer transfer window, but most people believed it would prevent Alexander Isak’s proposed departure from St James’ Park.

Isak was a key part of the side that won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League last term.

He scored 27 goals and registered six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last term in a season that firmly cemented him as one of the leading marksmen in the Premier League.

He looked set to play a crucial role in the coming campaign for the Magpies but there was a shocking twist on Thursday afternoon.

Alexander Isak is in demand. (Image: George Wood / Stringer via Getty)

Newcastle released their squad for their pre-season tour of Asia on Tuesday morning and the Swedish star was not included.

The club's official stance is that his omission was due to a minor injury, but another bombshell was yet to come.

That news was followed by reports stating that the forward is eager to explore a move away from Tyneside amid interest from Liverpool, among others.

The bombshell update is a huge blow to Eddie Howe’s side.

Not only were they hoping to compete in the Premier League next term but Isak would have been key to any slim hopes they had in the Champions League too.

Sesko appears to have his heart set on a move to the Premier League. (Image: Getty)

However, David Ornstein has given Newcastle fans something to look forward to.

The Athletic journalist is now reporting that the Magpies are interested in signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko if Isak does leave the club this summer.

“Newcastle United exploring move for Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig in case Alexander Isak leaves,” he wrote on X.

“22yo #RBLeipzig forward subject of long-standing #NUFC interest + a top target should Isak depart.

“Deal challenging from financial perspective.”

Sesko is one of the most exciting forwards in Germany, having scored 21 goals and produced six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions last term.

However, any deal to sign Sesko would be bad news for Manchester United, who have also been linked with a move for the striker, along with Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson.