Newcastle spending the Alexander Isak money?! Magpies eye bid to sign Francesco Pio Esposito after Inter rejected €45m offer for young striker

Should Isak storm out of the North East, Newcastle already have their eyes set on a dazzling young replacement: Pio Esposito.Il Messaggero reports that the Magpies have joined Atalanta in chasing the 20-year-old Inter Milan prodigy, who returned from a successful loan at Spezia, where he notched 17 goals in 34 Serie A appearances. Esposito underlined his potential at the Club World Cup, where he bagged his first goal for Inter in a 2-0 triumph over River Plate.

Despite the flurry of interest, Inter are digging their heels in and have already turned down a €45m approach from Napoli. Instead, the Nerazzurri are prioritising the sale of Mehdi Taremi, who is waiting for Fulham to table a formal proposal. Offloading the 33-year-old striker would give Inter more breathing room financially without forcing them to sacrifice their crown jewel, Esposito.

While Esposito sits firmly on Inter’s “not for sale” list, Newcastle are refusing to sit idle. Should negotiations fail to make headway, Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen has emerged as a backup target.

If Isak bolts for Anfield, the Magpies’ frantic dash for a replacement could define their season. And while Pio Esposito ticks all the boxes, prising him from Inter may prove mission impossible. For now, all eyes are on the Liverpool bid. If the Reds get their way, the dominoes could fall quickly.