Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak looks to have hit yet another roadblock, with Newcastle looking set to miss out on the signing of Benjamin Sesko.

Having had a $146 million bid for Isak turned down last week, Reds fans were left waiting for updates on Newcastle’s pursuit of the RB Leipzig striker, knowing that it could have a huge impact on their hopes of landing their dream signing.

Alas, it seems Manchester United may have struck a major blow to its biggest rival, with the Old Trafford club seemingly winning the race to sign Sesko, and leaving both Newcastle and Liverpool to think about their next steps.

The former already looks to have another transfer target in mind - unfortunately for the Reds, it’s not one that will have any impact on Isak’s future.

Expert: Newcastle set sights on 'second choice' striker	Insider: Tottenham set sights on James Maddison replacement	Eddie Howe sends fiery warning to Alexander Isak ahead of Newcastle return amid Liverpool saga

Newcastle is being linked with a move for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw

According to Fabrizio Romano, the St James’ Park club is set to make an approach to Milan, and try to open discussions over a price soon.

Liverpool fans may recognize Thiaw’s name, with the 23-year-old having played against the Reds last month in Hong Kong

Malick Thiaw has been linked with a move to Newcastle, which could have a knock-on effect for Alexander Isak

A German international with three caps to his name, Thiaw turned out for a number of clubs as a youth player, having started out at TV Kalkim-Wittlaer before moving on to Fortuna Dusseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Monchengladbach and Schalke.

It was at the latter that he made his senior breakthrough in 2020, going on to make 61 appearances in total before earning a move to Milan in 2022.

After starting his time at the San Siro on the bench, Thiaw would go on to earn a regular spot in Milan’s side from the latter half of the 2022/23 season, regularly partnering Fikayo Tomori.

An injury in December 2023 saw him sidelined for a lengthy spell, but he has continued to make a name for himself, leading to apparent interest from Newcastle.

Although the Magpies’ approach for Thiaw won’t have any bearing on Isak’s future, it could nevertheless be seen as an encouraging sign for Liverpool.

Eddie Howe’s side will have to move on to other targets up front after Sesko, and any move for a new striker will set them back a lot of money, as made evident by their bids for the Leipzig star.

If they are also going after targets elsewhere though, that could point to an expectation that they’re about to receive a major financial boost
For more news relating to Newcastle United, visit our sister site NUFC Latest Live.