Alexander Isak, the Newcastle United striker, is currently training independently at the facilities of his former club Real Sociedad as he awaits clarity on his future. The 25-year-old Swedish forward is keen to join Liverpool, who are reportedly prepared to offer close to £150 million, a sum that would set a new Premier League transfer record.

Despite the strong interest from Liverpool, Newcastle remain firm in their desire to retain Isak, aiming to secure the striker on a new contract. Basque news outlet El Diario Vasco revealed that Isak has been working alone with a fitness trainer at Sociedad, focusing on injury recovery away from team sessions.

Reports suggesting Newcastle were unaware of Isak’s location have been challenged by Sky Sports News, which states that the club is fully informed of his training activities at Sociedad.

Real Sociedad, where Isak made 132 appearances before his 2022 transfer, holds a financial stake in any future sale. They are entitled to 10% of any transfer fee exceeding €70 million plus 2% of the overall fee.

Formal negotiations between Newcastle and Liverpool have yet to commence. An initial informal approach from Liverpool was rejected, prompting the club to sign Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt instead. However, Liverpool are ready to submit a record-breaking bid should Newcastle show openness to a deal.

While Newcastle remain determined to keep Isak, they are also pursuing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, with competition now emerging from Manchester United for the young forward.

Manchester United have made it clear they are not interested in a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, despite ongoing speculation. Reports suggest Chelsea remain keen on Garnacho, yet United have no intention of including Jackson as part of an exchange.

Jackson’s performance last season, marked by 13 goals in all competitions, has fallen short of expectations for a striker entering his prime. Additionally, his disciplinary record, including multiple recent send-offs, has caused frustration amongst Chelsea supporters.

Instead of pursuing Jackson, Manchester United are focused on alternative striker options. Earlier in the week, the club reportedly narrowed their list to two frontmen: Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Šeško. By midweek, Šeško emerged as the sole preferred target, with progress reportedly accelerating partly due to competition from Newcastle United, who may soon need a new striker themselves if Alexander Isak departs.

Watkins, while more established with five Premier League seasons at Aston Villa and England international experience, is considered a cheaper but older option, likely providing only a short-term solution.

Manchester United have moved decisively to prioritize RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško in their search for a new striker this summer. Initially, the club’s shortlist included Šeško and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but recent reports from The Athletic indicate that Šeško is now the sole focus of their negotiations.

The 22-year-old Slovenian striker had previously been viewed as requiring further development and did not meet Leipzig’s €75 million asking price. However, circumstances involving Alexander Isak have altered the landscape.

Newcastle United’s interest in Šeško emerged after Isak’s potential exit from St. James’s Park put their pursuit of the striker in jeopardy. Consequently, United has accelerated talks with Leipzig to secure Šeško before Newcastle can respond.

The Daily Mail has reported a pessimistic stance from Newcastle, who now consider it likely that Šeško will join Manchester United. This has led Newcastle to continually reassess alternative striker options, with names such as Liam Delap, João Pedro, Hugo Ekitiké, Yoane Wissa, and most recently Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, fluctuating in their plans.

The focus for Manchester United on Šeško reflects a strategic decision to strengthen their forward options promptly amid a competitive transfer window.