How does Benjamin Sesko compare with Alexander Isak, who he could replace at St James' Park, if Newcastle have their way?

Here's a look at how a 22-year-old Isak performed the season before his move to Newcastle, compared to Sesko's last campaign with RB Leipzig.

It's safe to say the Slovenian is showing plenty of promise!

Image source, BBC Sport

David Ornstein
The Athletic's football correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

Newcastle understand that a deal might have to be done for Alexander Isak, provided they get the right financial offer and I suspect they probably will - given Liverpool’s apparent commitment to this and Isak’s determination to go.

Their first choice target to replace Isak is Benjamin Sesko. The issue with that is competition from Manchester United primarily and the finances being extremely high in terms of the potential transfer fee.

Newcastle did not want to be In this position but Isak’s representative have made it clear for some time that they would be departing this Summer.

For all parties a solution must be found because the current situation cannot continue.

Image source, Getty Images

It looks like a two-way battle between two Premier League clubs for the signature of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko will dominate the remainder of the summer transfer window.

According to Sky Sports Germany, external, Manchester United are ready to match Newcastle United's opening offer for the prolific 22-year-old Slovenia striker.

Sky Sports earlier reported that the Magpies made a formal offer worth £65.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons.

Meanwhile, the Mail, external says Newcastle are also eyeing a move for Paris St-Germain and Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, 24, if a deal for Sesko falls through.

Ramos scored 10 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season while also finding the back of the net thrice in the Champions League and five times in the French Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

One player heavily linked with Newcastle United, should Alexander Isak leave, is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko hit 13 goals in the Bundesliga and 21 in 45 games across all competitions last season.

But any move is by no means guaranteed, with Manchester United also eyeing the Slovenian striker, according to reports in Germany.

If you're just joining us, here is a handy little recap of what we've covered this morning.

• Will Liverpool make another bid for Alexander Isak?
• Can Isak be reintegrated at Newcastle?
• Newcastle boss Eddie Howe on Isak situation
• Your thoughts on the situation

What's coming up, I hear you ask?

We'll take a look at Tottenham shortly. Where is Son Heung-min headed? Who could replace him? And how are Spurs doing in the window?

We will also check on Chelsea and their latest signing Jorrel Hato, as well as an overview of the club's lavish spending this summer.

Liverpool

In:

Florian Wirtz (forward)

Hugo Ekitike (striker)

Milos Kerkez (left back)

Jeremie Frimpong (right back)

Giorgi Mamardashvili (goalkeeper)

Armin Pecsi (goalkeeper)

Outlay: £265m without add-ons.

Out:

Luis Diaz (forward)

Jarell Quansah (centre-back)

Caoimhin Kelleher (goalkeeper)

Trent Alexander-Arnold (right back)

Income: £115m

Liverpool

Should Alex Isak leave Newcastle, a move to Premier League champions Liverpool seems the most likely.

The Reds are investing heavily as they look to push on next season, and see Isak as the man to lead their frontline.

But Liverpool fans appear torn - here's what Reds supporters told BBC Sport...

Callum: "Let's be honest, this is just us being greedy.

"He would be a great addition to the squad - any team would happily take him - but we just have so much threat in the attack that we simply don't need him to the point of spending more than £100m."

Michael: "It's getting silly this. If there are funds to spend get a centre-back - that's the cover we need. We do not need another forward. Just because there's money, it doesn't mean we must spend it."

Simon: "If Isak is available and Liverpool can afford him, then go for it.

"This will take Liverpool to the same level that Manchester City have been at for the past few seasons. When you are champions, you make your team better. All the great teams do the same."

Newcastle United

Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey: "He's at a club who absolutely adore him. He'll be on unbelievable money, they've won something and they're in the Champions League - it would have to be some club to want to leave for.

"He has been looked after very well by Newcastle, has three years left on his contract and we're open to giving him a pay rise, but for him to have his head turned is just disappointing at this stage.

"You have to agree with the fans' frustration because you have the nucleus of a very good team."

When Alex Isak joined Newcastle in a deal worth £60m from Real Sociedad three years ago he said one of the reasons he moved was because he believed in their project.

Part of that will have been to secure a return to European football, which they did in his debut season as he scored 10 goals in 27 games to help them finish fourth in the Premier League.

Isak followed that with 21 league goals in 2023-24 and 23 last season, helping the club book a return to the Champions League, while also scoring the decisive goal in the League Cup final as Newcastle ended their 70-year wait for domestic silverware.

Since joining Newcastle only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (84) and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah (65) have scored more goals in the Premier League than Isak's total of 50.

The Sweden international's numbers over the last couple of seasons has him rubbing shoulders with some of Europe's leading marksmen over the same period.

Isak outperformed his xG by 3.3 during this spell, with his 44 strikes coming from an expected goals of 40.7.

Image source, BBC Sport

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Newcastle Sport

It is the first time since the takeover in October 2021 another club has come for one of Newcastle's big names.

Many fans are worried about the impact on the dressing room and fear others will see a move away from St James' Park as the best thing for their careers.

The ownership have invested hundreds of millions of pounds in Newcastle over the last four years and the message is that they remain committed to taking the club to the top.

The Isak money, should they sell, will boost their PSR position and hopefully enable them to add more depth and quality to their squad - something they have really struggled to do in this transfer window.

It has certainly been a tough few months.

But, they were in a difficult place 12 months ago with PSR pressures, changes at executive level, and speculation about the manager's future. What followed was the most successful season the club has had.

With Eddie Howe in charge and some outstanding players in his squad, anything is possible.

Newcastle supporter and True Faith podcaster Charlotte Robson told BBC Sport: "Make no mistake: losing Isak without a replacement ready would be catastrophic for Newcastle United.

"I don't think it is controversial to say it is going to be very difficult to progress in the Champions League without a striker in the squad."

Image source, Getty Images

Lee Johnson from the Newcastle podcast True Faith told BBC Sport: "We've just had an amazing season, in which we won our first trophy in 70 years, and he helped us win that.

"The hope was that this summer would have been a transformation for ourselves but it seems to be turning into a bit of a nightmare now."

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Newcastle Sport

Alexander Isak is Newcastle's best striker since Alan Shearer.

He is the player who scored the decisive goal at Wembley - one of many special moments in black and white - and he was worshipped on Tyneside.

But that relationship has been damaged.

There is an acceptance Newcastle need to become better at selling players.

It's something former sporting director Paul Mitchell alluded to last year to when he described their transfer strategy prior to his arrival as "not fit for purpose".