Senegal's Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson. (Reuters/Paul Childs)
With Liverpool stepping up their pursuit of Alexander Isak — having submitted a formal offer and prepared to return with another — Newcastle United have been forced into action.
Isak is reportedly training alone as he looks to push the move through, and with the season fast approaching, the Magpies are wasting no time in identifying a replacement.
Their top target? RB Leipzig star Benjamin Šeško.
According to The Athletic, the Magpies have submitted two bids to Leipzig for the Slovenia international, the second being as much as £70 million.
There ism however, a spanner in the works in their pursuit of Šeško, however, in the form of Manchester United. The Red Devils are also in the race for the striker, and are in fact, said to be leading it, with Fabrizio Romano claiming Šeško has in fact decided he wants to move to Old Trafford, not St. James’ Park.
Though the race isn’t over, it seems Newcastle are likely to miss out on Šeško. Fortunately, however, they have a back-up plan.
Newcastle Prepare Sesko Contingency
According to a new report from The Athletic, Newcastle have earmarked Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as their contingency plan should they miss out on Šeško.
The Senegal international has scored 30 goals across two hit-and-miss seasons at Stamford Bridge following his move from Villarreal, and is reportedly no longer considered essential under Enzo Maresca — with Liam Delap and João Pedro set to lead the line.
Chelsea are open to selling Jackson if the price is right, and Jackson himself is thought to be open to a move where he can be the main man — something Newcastle can clearly offer in a post-Isak era.
While Chelsea’s valuation could exceed £100 million, Jackson, who has been described by Premier League legend Peter Crouch as “unbelievable,” fits the mould of a typical Eddie Howe forward: fast, aggressive, and dangerous in transition. His rawness in front of goal and decision-making remain concerns — but the upside is clear.
A proven Premier League scorer, still just 23, Jackson could thrive at St. James’ Park if Šeško proves out of reach.
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