Newcastle United transfer latest as window hots up ahead of new season
Malick Thiaw of AC Milan controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League football match against Newcastle United
Newcastle United are aiming for a strong finish to the summer window after getting fresh assurances from PIF that business can be done - despite a series of setbacks in the transfer market.
Even after agreeing a price for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle find themselves waiting on the player's personal preferences. Manchester United, a club the striker has admired for some time, are also looking to conclude a deal for the Slovenian, with the player's agent having made various visits to Old Trafford in recent years.
Other targets have been discussed in the defensive ranks and midfield while outgoing business also seems in the pipeline. Here's where we stand on some of the links in this morning's papers.
Alexander Isak
The Sweden striker is still very much a Newcastle United player for now and trained alone yesterday, spending more than two hours at the club's Benton base.
A decision is awaited whether he rejoins the main group for training or features in either the Espanyol or Atletico Madrid games at St James' Park.
Newcastle have concerns over Isak's levels of fitness after missing a large chunk of pre-season due to absence from squad in the Far East last week. Howe stated that his wish was for Isak to return to training but he must adhere to the standards currently in place at United.
Benjamin Sesko
Most signs point to Manchester United at this stage but Newcastle's bid remains on the table.
RB Leipzig are waiting for Man United to match Newcastle's bid with the door not completely bolted shut but sources in Germany say Sesko wants the Red Devils.
Newcastle pondered long and hard about staying at the table but Eddie Howe wanted to give Newcastle every chance of landing Sesko. It seems like decision time today for the player and Leipzig.
Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea want £80million for Jackson and he is a player that has been pushed in Newcastle's direction by intermediaries. That's a pricey fee for a striker that managed 10 Premier League last season.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said today: "When the transfer window is open unfortunately anything can happen, this also involves Nico’s situation."
Malick Thiaw
There has been no bid yet for Thiaw despite European reports but Newcastle have had a long-term interest in the AC Milan defender.
A £30m fee would not be a problem for Newcastle and the club have excellent links with his USM agency. But as things stand multiple title-winning manager Massimiliano Allegri sees Thiaw as a big part of the project at the San Siro.
Odysseas Vlachodimos
The Greek international has been given the green light to go at Newcastle but has resisted some options put to him so far according to sources on the circuit.
There has been interest from Real Betis and Seville with Howe admitting the £20m signing could go soon. Vlachodimos wants to match his earnings of around £50,000 per week at St James' Park.
The 31-year-old has played half a game since his move from Nottingham Forest and has not played a single minute of pre-season action, with John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie and Max Thompson getting pitch time ahead of him.
Howe said: "Ody is one where something could happen to him in the next few days. There is quite a bit of interest in him, so I will let you know."
Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian international is close to a move to Burnley after dropping down to third choice at Newcastle. Dubravka is believed to be far from happy with how things have played out since signing a new deal in January.
Dubravka agent was tasked with finding him a new club the moment it became obvious that Aaron Ramsdale as heading to Newcastle.
Plans for Dubravka to fly to South Korea were scrapped last week. Howe said: "Martin was scheduled to travel out but he had a shoulder problem and went to see a specialist (abroad) and I think he had an injection."
Marc Guehi
A fresh round of reports have linked Newcastle again with the Crystal Palace centre-back but that has been dismissed as "fake news" from sources at Selhurst Park.
Guehi may well leave in this window at £40m and Newcastle do indeed still like the England defender. But there is competition from Liverpool and so far neither the Magpies or the Reds have made an approach for his services.