Newcastle United are preparing for all eventualities this summer and will not be caught without a back-up plan.
Personally, I can’t see a way in which Alexander Isak leaves this summer. Champions League qualification keeps him happy and even if we miss out, I can’t see anyone affording his gigantic price tag; and that’s if we’d even consider a sale at any price!
A forward that can compete with the Swede is expected to arrive when the window opens, with Callum Wilson out of contract and Will Osula still developing.
However, in the unlikely event that Isak does depart at any point over the next few windows, it seems Paul Mitchell and co have one option in mind.
Newcastle have continued to watch RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as part of their contingency plan should Isak depart at any stage, reports Craig Hope at [The Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14691823/Newcastle-Confidential-transfer-news-striker-injury.html).
The ‘hands-off’ figure placed on the Toon forward’s head make it unlikely that anyone will meet our demands this summer, but 21-year-old Sesko continues to be watched closely.
The Slovenia international has long been admired by Newcastle and, with a £67m release clause in his contract which we would be able to pay if Isak was sold, he may be one to watch.
He’s scored 21 goals and assisted six in 44 appearances in all competitions this season, with the 6ft 5′ forward also showing his quality in Europe, netting four in eight Champions League outings.
Newcastle look to be in a great position heading into the summer and after a few frustrating transfer windows in a row, Eddie Howe wants new signings; not sales.
Speaking to the media this morning, Howe admitted his ‘frustration’ around exit links and insisted that all of our star men are at a brilliant club who plan to compete at the top and invest this summer now our PSR situation has improved.
“It is a frustration because I don’t see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs,” Howe told the media on Friday.
“I’d like to think the players are happy here. I’d like to think again that they’re seeing us grow and develop into a team that hopefully can compete at the top end of the division.
“We have no divine right to do that, but I think we’re going in the right direction. So, yeah, it’s a source of frustration, but I don’t let it absorb me, really.
“But of course, as we’ve said many times, the ability financially to compete the last few years has been hampered by PSR, but those issues aren’t there for the coming window. So I don’t see any reason why we can’t strengthen, not weaken ourselves.”