Newcastle draw up four-man shortlist to replace Isak as Liverpool sent message

Alexander Isak has informed the Newcastle hierarchy that he wants to leave and Eddie Howe's side have wasted no time by identifying four strikers who could replace him

Newcastle have drawn up a shortlist of four strikers in case they're forced to sell Alexander Isak. The Magpies are braced for offers after it emerged on Thursday that Isak, 25, wants to leave St James' Park.

His decision follows an enquiry from Liverpool, who signalled that they'd be willing to pay a British-record £120million for the Swede. Newcastle responded by insisting that Isak isn't for sale and Liverpool quickly turned to Hugo Ekitike, who the Magpies also wanted to sign.

Despite wrapping up an eye-watering £79m deal with Eintracht Frankfurt for Ekitike, Liverpool remain interested in Isak. Although manager Eddie Howe remains 'confident' that his star won't depart, Newcastle are making contingency plans which could have a chain reaction in the Premier League.

A report from the Mail has revealed the four strikers who Newcastle are doing their homework on. Those four are named as Nicolas Jackson, Ollie Watkins, Yoane Wissa and Benjamin Sesko.

Howe's side have already made a £25m bid for Wissa - which was immediately rejected by Brentford - while Watkins and Jackson, meanwhile, are on Manchester United's shortlist as they also target a striker. Benjamin Sesko was in talks to join Arsenal before the Gunners ultimately decided on Viktor Gyokeres, who's £63.7m arrival was confirmed on Saturday.

Wissa scored 19 times in the league last season for Brentford and with 12 months left on his contract, the 28-year-old is pushing to leave. Watkins is also Premier League-proven, bagging 75 goals and registering 34 assists in 184 top-flight matches for Aston Villa.

Jackson, meanwhile, has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea after they paid £30m for Liam Delap and spent £60m on Joao Pedro. On the other hand, Sesko is a prized asset for RB Leipzig, who are expected to demand around £70m.

Who should Newcastle sign if Alexander Isak leaves? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

Howe was asked multiple questions about Isak's future at a press conference in Singapore on Saturday. Asked if the Liverpool target would stay, Howe replied: "I said after the Celtic game I certainly hope he stays and I said I was confident he would stay.

"I don't see anything that will change that opinion of mine at the moment - but it's football and who knows what the future may bring? We are in a very strong position financially.

"We are determined to be successful, be ambitious. We have got a great season ahead of us and we need to add to the squad and continue to improve. The journey will continue in an upward trajectory and that's what we all want."