Newcastle United have turned their attention to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as uncertainty looms over the future of star striker Alexander Isak. The Slovenian forward has emerged as a potential replacement should the Swedish international depart amid mounting interest from Liverpool.

Isak was noticeably absent from the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia, with the club citing a “minor thigh injury” as the reason for his omission. However, sources close to the situation suggest his absence is linked to ongoing discussions about a potential transfer, placing Newcastle in a precarious position ahead of the new season.

READ ALSO, Newcastle Line Up Sesko as Isak Sparks Exit…

Sesko, 22, has long been admired by Premier League clubs. He was previously linked with Arsenal before they shifted their focus to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. With 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season and 16 in 41 international appearances for Slovenia, Sesko’s profile continues to rise on the European stage.

The timing of Isak’s potential departure is far from ideal for Newcastle. Having already lost Callum Wilson on a free transfer, manager Eddie Howe currently has just one senior striker 21-year-old Will Osula available for a campaign that includes Champions League football. The squad’s fragility up front underscores the urgency to act swiftly in the transfer market.

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Newcastle’s struggles to land top targets have been well documented. They missed out on Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to Chelsea, while Hugo Ekitike opted to join Liverpool. Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga remains their only major signing so far, arriving for £55m, while talks continue with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as a potential reinforcement.

Club captain Bruno Guimaraes expressed hope that Isak stays, calling him “a top striker” and warning that any exits could “upset a tight-knit group.”