Newcastle United teases striker with £66m….
Newcastle United will change tack in the transfer market after missing out on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
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Newcastle United reportedly admire Benjamin Sesko as a potential alternative to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
A deal for the Frenchman appears unlikely now Liverpool’s interest has intensified. The Magpies saw a £70million bid rejected earlier this week – which triggered a game of transfer poker involving Alexander Isak.
With the Swede not for sale – despite a Liverpool enquiry – Newcastle continued negotiations with Frankfurt for Ekitike until the Reds became the standout option. If he heads to Anfield, this will be the third time the 23-year-old has snubbed a St James’ Park switch.
Newcastle United still want a striker
Toon chiefs are still targeting a striker to support Isak ahead of a Champions League campaign. The Athletic claim Brentford hitman Yoane Wissa is a player Newcastle admire.
However, NewcastleWorld would be surprised if the Magpies signed DR Congo international. His age – he turns 29 in September – does not fit the profile of United’s current transfer policy.
Wissa could also be unavailable for over a month due to his expected participation in the African Cup of Nations. Noises from Brentford also suggest they would only be willing to lose Wissa or Bryan Mbeumo – not both – this summer.
Manchester United have been haggling over Mbeumo all summer, with the Bees now reportedly wanting £70million. The Red Devils are in a tight PSR situation with several high-profile stars on big wages expected to leave.
Benjamin Sesko as Hugo Ekitike alternative?
TalkSPORT are reporting that Newcastle could move for RB Leipzig forward Sesko as a backup option. His name has been linked with several Premier League clubs – including Arsenal – in recent years.
The 22-year-old scored 21 goals for the Bundesliga outfit across all competitions last season. As a 6ft 5in target man with pace, Sesko would provide a different dynamic to Isak.
Leipzig have a release clause that is understood to now sit at £66million – less than Newcastle offered for Ekitike. Arsenal are no longer in the running as they close in on Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres.
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