Newcastle United have begun preparations for life after Alexander Isak by shortlisting four strikers, of which three currently play in England.

Dan Burn did not hold back. Speaking while on international tour duty, the Newcastle defender laid bare how crucial Alexander Isak is to Eddie Howe’s project. With Liverpool circling and speculation reaching fever pitch, Burn captured the mood inside the camp: one of apprehension and unease, shared by a recent report by GOAL.COM.

Alexander Isak's wish to quit Newcastle can be traced back to summer 2024 with three factors now cited as reasons behind the Liverpool target's unhappiness.

Liverpool are poised to make a British record bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak. (Mail+ - subscription required) But Saudi side Al-Hilal are also preparing a bid, understood to be more than £130m, for Isak after the striker was not named in the Magpies' squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore.

There’s reason for hope, though. “Newcastle are targeting RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who has been linked with several European clubs this summer,” suggests the club has its eyes on top-tier talent. Sesko is dynamic, raw, and full of upside. If paired with a player like Larsen, the duo could even rival Isak’s individual impact.

PIF's plans to keep the unhappy striker out of Liverpool's clutches look set to backfire, giving the Reds more optimism a deal is CAN be done and with Newcastle's asking price emerging

Chelsea and Manchester United have reportedly ruled themselves out of the transfer race for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak that Liverpool lead.