Isak and Howe will clear the air this week as the striker returns to training
Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern Munich at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig
(Image: AP)
Alexander Isak could be training with Newcastle United in pre-season after all, after Liverpool's initial bid was rejected out of hand - and fans in the Chronicle Live comments section are torn on what they want to happen next.
The Swedish star is back with the Magpies after not flying out for their pre-season tour, after which he indicated his intention to pursue a transfer to Liverpool. The Reds' bid fell far short of Newcastle's valuation with no movement since, and Howe has insisted that he now return to Tyneside to prepare for the new season.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are also pursuing 22 year-old Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, having submitted a second bid for the forward. They face competition from Manchester United, who also need a new striker after a dismal attacking performance last season, and will go without European football over the next year.
It could be that a successful chase of Sesko spells the end for Isak, opening the door for Liverpool to come back in with a fresh offer.
Some reckon that the club should go all in for Sesko, with a view to him succeeding Isak - others want the Sweden international gone. Reader Irh2207 says: "Sesko looks like a good replacement for Isak. Don't want to lose Isak but looks like his head has been turned, so he needs to get gone."
Commenter Fartoon writes: "I like Isak! But when a player wants to go, it would be best when his heart is no longer with the team. Only an opinion, I want the best for the team and Sesko looks the part?"
Motivation wants to see a quick end to the Sesko chase: "Newcastle MUST NOT be beaten over this transfer fight. Too many players have been taken by rival clubs, it is now becoming a point of honour. Pay the amount required to win the fight, then finance it with money from the Isak sale."
N Shields Lad urges calm: "Keep Isak and get Sesko signed also as the season is about to start. Wait till next season to make a decision for what's best for the club, but not until."
Sav2 says: "Everyone seems certain it’s Sesko in and Isak out. But chucking the Slovenian straight in is not an Eddie Howe move. Isak was just support to Wilson in his first year. In a World Cup year like this, we still hold all the aces. Going deep into the CL is worth millions. Promise him a move next summer, if Isak still wants, when there’s more than one buyer and we aren’t being low-balled.
"We should still have enough cash for Guehi and a midfielder. The Scousers think they have PIF by the short and curlies but could they suddenly find the tables turned?"
Harry Ramp is less optimistic about the Magpies' chances on Sesko: "It sounds like Man U may end up with Sesko to me, hopefully not though. Would be good if we keep Isak, sign Guehi, Sesko, Wissa and a midfielder. Job done. Then if Isak wants to leave for £150m in the next transfer window, he can."
Rover P5b says that Isak has a lot of making up to do for the fans if he stays: "I fear that Isak might be booed onto the pitch and if he doesn't score booed off it as well. It won't be all the fans of course but if only 20,000 do it would certainly knock his confidence and result in our world class striker looking very ordinary."
Andy323 writes: "Even if we sign Sesko, I would keep Isak. He has been badly advised and should come out and apologise to the club and fans."
Have your say! How do you see Isak's future turning out - whether or not Sesko arrives at Newcastle? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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