Revealed: Newcastle's four-man shortlist to replace Alexander Isak amid Liverpool interest with three Premier League stars eyed in case £120m exit is sealed

Isak threw a curveball at Newcastle United's sporting plans for the upcoming season after submitting a transfer request to the club. In the aftermath of Isak's decision, the Magpies have reportedly prepared a four-man striker shortlist as alternatives in case the former Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund striker departs, per a report from the Mirror.

The Mirror claim that Newcastle have shortlisted RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko — previously linked with Arsenal — as well as three Premier League strikers in Nicolas Jackson, Ollie Watkins, and Yoane Wissa. Leipzig are believed to want a fee in the region of £61 million (€70m/$82m), while Chelsea are demanding £100m (€117m/$137m) for Jackson. On the other hand, Aston Villa have already made it clear that the English international is not for sale at any price. Wissa is the player who would cost the least among the four.

Despite splashing £265 million (€305m/$356m) this summer, including a £79m (€92m/$107m) move for French forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, Liverpool seem to not be done yet. They have established direct contact with Newcastle and have asked about Isak, with the PIF-backed giants weighing up their options. Per Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are prepared to pounce if they can manage to offload Luis Diaz and if Newcastle decide to part ways with Isak. Previously, it was suggested that the reigning Premier League champions would be willing to break the British transfer fee record they spent on Florian Wirtz to sign Isak. Indeed, Liverpool will have no hesitation in paying an eye-watering £120m (€140m/$164m) to match Newcastle's valuation of the player.

Eddie Howe's plans for next season could be crushed upon losing a player of Isak's calibre. He has already conceded that the situation will take some time before being resolved. At the same time, though, the former Bournemouth manager will pray that the club backs him in the remainder of the transfer window and helps him build a competitive squad, with Newcastle set to return to Champions League football next season.