Newcastle ‘go big’ for £60m target with major push on Friday to agree terms

Alexander Isak wants out and we’ve just lost out on James Trafford to Man City, forcing us to up the ante in other departments with two strikers now needed if the Swede departs.

Talks for Yoane Wissa continue with Brentford over a £35m+ deal, but widespread reports have emerged on our big push to sign Benjamin Sesko as a potential Isak replacement.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed the RB Leipzig star is a ‘top target’ as we look to react in fear of losing Isak, with the 6ft 5′ Slovenian a long-standing target.

Fabrizio Romano adds that we are ready to ‘go big’ in a bid to sign the 22-year-old, with Toon chiefs set to present the project to the striker who was considered by Arsenal before they opted for Viktor Gyokeres instead.

TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs has also revealed that we are working to agree a deal with the player himself today, holding talks on Friday over personal terms.

Jacobs adds that a bid is imminent for the £60m-rated striker, but insists it is not an easy deal to complete based on the finances involved and structure of payments RB Leipzig are likely to demand.

Isak leaving is a huge blow, if it happens, but reacting quickly and landing Sesko and Wissa in his place for a combined £100m would go a long way to replacing his goals.

Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike reveals truth after Newcastle United transfer bid

Newcastle United attempted to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this month and the Frenchman has now revealed why he joined Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike has revealed that his sights were set on a move to Liverpool once the former Newcastle United target spoke to boss Arne Slot.

Newcastle submitted a club-record bid for Ekitike earlier this month as the Magpies looked to finally land the Frenchman at the third time of asking.

Ekitike had previously turned Newcastle down in both the mid-season and summer windows in 2022, but the black-and-whites felt moved to return to the table a few years on.

However, Eintracht Frankfurt rejected Newcastle’s club-record offer, which was the cue for Liverpool to submit their own bid.

Liverpool went on to agree a deal worth £79m for Ekitike and the striker has now explained why he wanted to move to Anfield after having a ‘really good discussion’ with Slot.

“Obviously, it’s a big club,” he said. “I’m just excited. I’m a bit like a kid.

“I’ve been dreaming to come and play in the Prem and to play for Liverpool is a good feeling for me. I just can’t wait to start playing games, to win trophies and have success here.

“For me, this was the right choice. The way the club work, what I’ve heard about the people here, the atmosphere, the fans, the stadium, the way they improve players.

“Already champions of the Prem. It’s the best team in England and one of the best teams in the world. It was Liverpool since I talked to the coach. In my head, I was sure about it.”

The pursuit highlights the challenge Newcastle have faced while going up against legacy clubs for a small pool of quality players.

Joao Pedro and Liam Delap opted to join Chelsea, James Trafford agreed to move Manchester City after the Citizens matched Newcastle’s offer for the Burnley goalkeeper and Dean Huijsen ended up at Real Madrid.