Newcastle identify No.1 Sesko transfer alternative after Man Utd humiliation

Benjamin Sesko has snubbed Newcastle in favour of Manchester United, serving as the latest blow in what's becoming a nightmare summer transfer window at St James' Park

Newcastle are seriously considering a move for Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson after being snubbed by Benjamin Sesko. The Magpies are scouring the market for a new striker, prompted by Alexander Isak's bombshell decision to push for a move away.

Sesko, 22, quickly emerged as Newcastle's top target and after having an opening bid rejected over the weekend, RB Leipzig accepted their second proposal of £78million earlier this week. But they aren't able to get him on Tyneside after the Slovenian informed all parties that he prefers to join Manchester United.

Although the Red Devils still need to agree a deal with Leipzig, Newcastle have no time to waste with little more than three weeks left of the summer transfer window. Liverpool are also preparing a follow-up bid for Isak after their British-record offer worth £120million was rejected last week.

The Magpies are used to being forced to put a line through names on their shortlist, having endured a summer of rejection. Despite boasting Champions League football, Eddie Howe has missed out on top targets including goalkeeper James Trafford, who joined Manchester City; forward Bryan Mbeumo, who went to the other side of Manchester; and striker Joao Pedro, who Chelsea signed.

It's the latter of those transfers which has opened the door for Jackson's departure. Chelsea's decision to spend £60m on Pedro and £30m on Liam Delap - who was also linked with Newcastle - has pushed the 24-year-old down the pecking order.

According to the Telegraph, Jackson is a serious target for the Toon and features highly on Howe's shortlist. The former Bournemouth boss is playing a major role in Newcastle's transfer business this summer following the departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell.

Having scored 13 goals in the 2024-25 season, Jackson started just once for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, during which he served a two-game ban after he was sent off within four minutes of coming on as a substitute against Flamengo in the group stage. Reports elsewhere claim that Senegal international is valued at a staggering £75m by the Blues, a fee which Newcastle can afford.

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was asked about Jackson's situation on Thursday and replied: "Nico is okay. When the window is open, anything can happen. This includes Nico's situation. At the moment, two new strikers have arrived. So we will see."

Other names who've been linked with Newcastle include Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Paris Saint-Germain's Goncalo Ramos. The transfer window slams shut on September 1.