Striker sagas continue to dominate what has been a messy summer for Newcastle United.
We still aren’t sure if Alexander Isak will report back to training in the coming days, with Liverpool hovering, and Benjamin Sesko’s future remains unclear after Newcastle’s £70m bid for the RB Leipzig striker over the weekend.
That offer was deemed ‘insufficient’ last night, but Sky Sports insists that talks are continuing over payment terms, with the structure and a potential sell-on clause the slight sticking point, not the overall fee involved.
But where does that deal sit and who could sign if the Slovenian picks Manchester United instead?
Well, according to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have spoken to Sesko’s camp today asked for a response ‘within 24 hours’ on the 22-year-old’s final decision, with Toon chiefs eager to know where they stand.
‘There is still hope’ that Sesko picks St James’ Park over Old Trafford, but one option added to Eddie Howe’s shortlist is believed to be PSG’s Goncalo Ramos.
We picked the 24-year-old out as a potential one to watch in a piece earlier this week, and it’s thought the Portuguese international is on our radar, should Sesko end up opting for Man Utd.
Ramos was looked at during his Benfica days and a target prior to Isak’s arrival at the club. Now at PSG and struggling for starts under Luis Enrique, it’s thought Ramos is ‘open’ to leaving this summer.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa is another ‘name to keep an eye on’ if the worst happens with Sesko, and there is confidence from Newcastle’s end that Brentford’s Yoane Wissa will arrive as Callum Wilson’s replacement.