Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to turn to Ollie Watkins if Alexander Isak leaves for Liverpool and they fail to seal a deal for Benjamin Sesko.
The Daily Mail's Craig Hope reports that Watkins is one of the Magpies' top targets to replace Isak, who is pushing for a move to Anfield. The Reds failed with a £110m offer on Friday, but are expected to continue their pursuit, with talk of a potential transfer request.
Newcastle are searching for a replacement for the 25-year-old and made a £70m bid for RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko on Saturday. They are battling it out with Manchester United for the Slovenian, whose initial preference was thought to be the Red Devils.
Newcastle Eye Watkins As Isak Replacement
The Aston Villa striker is on a four-man shortlist
Ollie Watkins applauding the Aston Villa supporters
While the Tyneside giants have made a significant move for Sesko, they still have alternatives should the 22-year-old snub a move to St James' Park. One of those is Watkins, who is Premier League proven and enjoyed an impressive past season at Villa Park.
The 29-year-old, who sits on a purported £130,000 per week, has also been linked with Manchester United amid Ruben Amorim's desire to sign a new number nine. It could be a case of whoever misses out on Sesko then turning to Watkins, especially for the Magpies if Isak departs for Liverpool at some stage.
Watkins won't be cheap, though, as Villa told the Red Devils earlier this summer that he wouldn't be sold for anything less than £60m. He has three years left on his contract and has been with the west Midlands outfit since September 2020.
Ollie Watkins (Premier League 2024-25)
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Other potential Isak replacements include Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorge Strand Larsen and Brentford's Yoane Wissa. The latter is "furious" with the Bees for denying him a move to St James' Park after an initial £35m fell short of their £50m valuation.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 02.08.2025
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