Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net
(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media/Imago)
Callum O'Connell
Tue 5 August 2025 7:00, UK
Newcastle United have set their sights on a move for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins in case their move to sign Benjamin Sesko falls through.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Eddie Howe is a big fan of the 29-year-old England international.
Watkins is believed to be keen to become the first-choice number nine at St James’ Park, ruling out any suggestion that both him and Sesko could be signed.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 29 July that Newcastle have added Watkins to their list of targets as they prepare to lose Alexander Isak.
The Aston Villa forward is viewed as one of the leading options to spearhead Howe’s attack, although they are currently pushing to sign Sesko.
Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Sesko wants to join Man United despite ongoing talks with Newcastle as the race for his signature continues.
Ollie Watkins is among Newcastle’s top targets.
(Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 2 August that Villa will demand £60million for Watkins – a price which has put off Man United.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Watkins remains a leading contender for Newcastle and is high on their list of options.
“We know Newcastle and Man United both want Sesko,” he told Football Insider.
“But only one club can win that race, so they both have to have other options in mind.
“Watkins is very high on Newcastle’s list, I think he’s their second choice if they can’t get Sesko.
“It’s been suggested Newcastle want to sign both, because they’ve lost Callum Wilson and look like losing Isak too, but Ollie Watkins wants to be the main man.
“He’s not going to be interested in a move where he becomes the second choice.
“A few clubs have been keeping a close eye on his situation at Villa because they’ve been looking at other options but haven’t been able to get deals done.
“Ollie Watkins would be a top-class option for anybody who gets him, because he is a top striker.
“I hear Eddie Howe is a fan of his, so that move to Newcastle might be good for him if he gets the opportunity.”
Eddie Howe is determined to land his top striker target.
(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
As the Magpies plan to bolster their attacking options due to the uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future, they are pushing in efforts to sign Sesko.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 4 August that Newcastle held a three-hour call with Sesko in an attempt to convince him to join Howe’s project.
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.
The Magpies have missed out on a number of key targets in this transfer window and are determined not to be beaten to their latest top target.
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.
Related Posts
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.
![[Valid RSS]](../valid-rss.png "Validate my RSS feed")