Despite already securing the signing of Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool still find themselves firmly in the mix of this summer’s striker merry-go-round.

The Reds were badly in need of a new centre-forward this summer after seeing Darwin Nunez fail to convince for a third straight year.

Ekitike impressed on his debut on Wednesday, and the Frenchman looks likely to have a big impact under Arne Slot.



Nevertheless, Liverpool still want another, and Newcastle United superstar Alexander Isak is clearly the top target.

Alexander Isak's hopes of Liverpool move take a hit with Man United leading race for potential Newcastle replacement Benjamin Sesko	Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd make Sesko move and learn price, Isak's Newcastle future, Liverpool eye next signing	Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in Eze agreement; Liverpool plot huge Isak bid; Sesko to Man Utd boost; Chelsea

Getting Isak out of Newcastle is proving to be difficult, though.

The Magpies have seemingly been blindsided by the Swede’s desire to leave and are scrambling to find a suitable replacement.

Having previously been linked with Liverpool, RB Leipzig hitman Benjamin Sesko is the latest player targeted at St James’ Park.

But Manchester United have made a move for Sesko as well, plunging Newcastle’s chances of success into serious doubt.

As the Toon struggle to convince Sesko to join them, it has been revealed how the battle for the Slovenian is set to impact Liverpool and Isak.

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All signs point to the likelihood that Sesko would be a really good replacement for Isak at Newcastle.

More than three years younger than the Sweden international, and possessing potential to be just as lethal, the 22-year-old has long been courted by some of Europe’s top sides.

He would be a coup.

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According to The Daily Mail on Wednesday, though, Newcastle are now fearing that they have lost out on Sesko to Man United.

They are reportedly not out of the running just yet, but there is said to be a feeling within the club that their chances of signing the RB Leipzig striker have ‘faded.’

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms whether Alexander Isak has already agreed a contract with Liverpool

It is claimed that Newcastle will not even contemplate selling Isak to Liverpool unless they have a ready-made replacement with ‘at least one foot in the door.’

If they do lose out on Sesko to United, they would reportedly have to find an alternative and make serious progress on that deal before considering an exit for Isak.

Although they are clearly prioritising a move for Sesko, there are other strikers out there who could fill the void left by Isak at Newcastle.

And, thankfully, The Mail report that Eddie Howe and co do have back-ups ready in case their top target falls through.

The Magpies are reportedly still actively pursuing a deal to sign Yoanne Wissa from Brentford, which would seemingly be alongside Sesko.

Meanwhile, Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa are also claimed to be seen as alternative options at St James’ Park.

Clearly, it would suit Liverpool if Newcastle can move forward with Sesko without complications.

But should United swoop in and snatch him away, it should not mean that the Isak saga is over.
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