Exclusive: Newcastle hold three-hour call with Benjamin Sesko
Newcastle United have had a three-hour Zoom call with Benjamin Sesko as they accelerate plans to sign him, sources have told Football Insider.
The north-east giants are in the market for a centre-forward amid big doubts over Alexander Isak’s future.
Liverpool have had a package worth £120million for Isak rejected by Newcastle and remain interested in a late-window deal.
Newcastle are working on a new striker signing, potentially as a replacement for the Swede or as cover and competition for him.
Sources say the club’s groundwork on a deal includes a lengthy meeting with Sesko over video platform Zoom.
It is believed to have taken place in the past fortnight, and comes at a time when Manchester United are also pursuing the RB Leipzig striker.
Newcastle cannot afford to miss out on Sesko
It has been an abysmal transfer window so far for Newcastle, with a number of their key targets rejecting a move to St James’ Park in favour of the Magpies’ Premier League rivals.
Eddie Howe’s side have missed out on the likes of James Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, and Liam Delap, among others.
Now with the uncertainty around Isak, Newcastle cannot afford to lose the race for Sesko, and are doing everything in their power to bring the Slovenian to Tyneside.
However, with Man United also desperate to bring in a number nine ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, the Magpies will have to fight hard to secure the deal.
Newcastle to make improved bid for attacker
Meanwhile, Newcastle are lining up a fresh bid to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa despite having an initial offer worth £25million rejected, sources have told Football Insider.
The clubs are not believed to be far apart in their valuations, and there is a growing belief that Brentford will reluctantly accept offers if they can identify his replacement.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 15 July that Brentford could demand £50million for Wissa as they intended to price clubs out of the deal before he went on strike.
The attacker is doing everything he can to push through a move to St James’ Park.
For more Newcastle United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.