'Taking no chances': Journalist now says Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to land Benjamin Sesko

Newcastle United have identified Benjamin Sesko as a top striker who would be an ideal addition to Eddie Howe's squad this summer.

The Magpies have already missed out on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, and are now in real danger of losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Thankfully, Arsenal walked away from their pursuit of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, leaving Newcastle a clear run at the RB Leipzig striker.

The club knows what kind of fee Leipzig are looking for, Sesko is reportedly open to the move, so there's still some positivity around this one for now.

Benjamin Sesko wants to hear Newcastle's pitch

While our concern is that Newcastle hang on to see what happens with Isak, there are reports suggesting that talks are already underway.

Indeed, Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that Newcastle are 'not taking any chances' with their striker pursuit now as they continue to negotiate for Yoane Wissa as well.

“I am told that talks have intensified in the last 48 hours, Newcastle are now actively working on this. The Isak situation has seen the situation change.

“Sesko is not the only forward they are talking to, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa also on their radar, but Newcastle want a couple of new faces.

“Having failed to land the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle are taking no chances now.

“They are working hard on the Sesko lead and are pushing hard – they think they are a great option for him.

“I am told that Sesko has known about Newcastle’s interest for some time and am told he does like the idea of moving to Tyneside, but wants to hear what they have to say.”

Get Sesko done!

Newcastle need to push to sign Sesko regardless of what is happening with Isak. The two could form a stunning partnership next season, like the plan was for Isak and Hugo Ekitike, should Liverpool not be able to get a deal done for the Swede this summer.

There are still so many variables to consider that the move for Isak to Liverpool, should it go ahead at all, could drag on to the end of the window, by which time Newcastle could find themselves in real trouble if they haven't got a replacement in.

Signing Sesko ASAP would mitigate this.