Latest news with #StrikerSearch
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6 days ago
- Sport
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Newcastle Weigh Striker Options as Liverpool Circle Alexander Isak
Newcastle Transfers: Striker Search Intensifies as Isak Interest Grows Isak Unsettled Amid Liverpool Pressure Newcastle United are preparing for a turbulent few weeks in the transfer window, with Liverpool circling around prized asset Alexander Isak. The Premier League champions have tabled an opening offer for the Swedish international, but Newcastle were swift and resolute in their response. The bid was rejected outright, with the club reportedly valuing Isak at £150 million. That price tag, however, may not even prove decisive. Newcastle are unwilling to entertain any exit unless they secure a viable replacement. The striker has become pivotal under Eddie Howe and remains central to their ambitions both domestically and in Europe. Sesko Talks Ongoing Despite Setback Newcastle's top target to replace Isak is RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko. Aged just 22, the Slovenian has drawn admiring glances from St James' Park for months. However, Leipzig rejected the Magpies' opening bid and talks remain delicate. To complicate matters, Manchester United are believed to be preparing their own approach for the striker, threatening Newcastle's pursuit. Photo IMAGO Aghehowa Considered as Contingency With the Sesko deal far from guaranteed, Newcastle have identified an alternative. Spanish journalist Eduardo Burgos reports that Porto forward Samu Aghehowa is now under serious consideration. 'Newcastle United is interested in the situation of Samu Aghehowa,' Burgos confirmed. The former Atletico Madrid striker is valued at €80 million, mirroring Newcastle's proposal for Sesko. However, Porto are reluctant to sell and may hold firm for another year. 'They have been monitoring his progress since the beginning of the year,' Burgos added. 'He is one of the options being considered for the forward position, although they have not yet made an offer. Porto wants to keep him for another year: they are asking for €80M.' Pressure Mounts in Final Weeks As Liverpool's intent hardens, and with Manchester United eyeing the same targets, Newcastle's transfer strategy is under increasing strain. Whether it is Sesko, Aghehowa or another name altogether, the Magpies may need to act fast to avoid being left behind in this fiercely contested market.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Man Utd eye forward additions while managing squad sales
Man Utd's Striker Search: Watkins and Sesko on the Radar Man Utd Continue Striker Hunt Amid Hojlund Uncertainty According to a new Sky Sports News update by Dharmesh Sheth, Manchester United are actively exploring options to bolster their attack, despite being primarily focused on player sales this summer. United's recruitment team is said to be monitoring striker targets even with Rasmus Højlund already on the books — and despite rumoured interest in the Dane from Serie A clubs. The club is reportedly assessing potential deals for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. These names underline the club's long-standing plan to reinforce the forward line – a problem area for a long time now. Photo: IMAGO Watkins Interest Complicated by Villa's Reluctance Ollie Watkins has long been admired by United, with an approach made to Villa, per Sky Sports. However, the Midlands side 'do not want to sell and he is thought to carry a value of around £60m'. Given Watkins' consistent Premier League form and England credentials, the price tag is understandable — yet still problematic for a club managing financial fair play pressures. Watkins, 29, scored 16 Premier League goals last season and registered 8 assists, an output that would undoubtedly elevate United's attack. But with Villa set for Europa League football and Watkins integral to Unai Emery's system, any transfer feels unlikely unless United table a substantial bid. Sesko Move Tied to Familiar Face in Recruitment While Watkins' move appears complicated, Benjamin Sesko could be a more accessible solution. 'The interest in Sesko is understood to be driven by recruitment director Christopher Vivell, who signed the striker as a 16-year-old for Red Bull Salzburg.' Vivell's past relationship with the Slovenian international might play a crucial role in any negotiations. Sesko, 21, is viewed as a rising star in European football. With raw pace, strength, and a clinical eye in front of goal, he aligns well with United's long-term vision and Ruben Amorim's preference for physically dominant, mobile forwards. Nicolas Jackson Considered but Overpriced Sky Sports also revealed that Nicolas Jackson had been evaluated, but 'Chelsea's valuation of the striker is understood to be considered far too high'. With Chelsea unlikely to sell to a rival cheaply, that particular avenue appears closed for now. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Manchester United fan's perspective, this report prompts mixed emotions. On one hand, it's encouraging to see the club taking forward planning seriously — exploring targets early and leaning on the expertise of figures like Christopher Vivell. Benjamin Sesko feels like a smart, forward-thinking option, especially if United aim to build an athletic, youthful squad capable of playing high-press, transitional football under Amorim. However, the Watkins pursuit is puzzling. While his Premier League output is elite, spending upwards of £60m on a 29-year-old when funds are tight seems misaligned with the squad's rebuild trajectory. Many United fans will argue that such funds would be better directed toward younger players or midfield reinforcements. There's also a sense of frustration at the club's continued struggle with selling players efficiently — a theme that restricts United every window. While clubs like City and Chelsea seem to manage exits with ruthless efficiency, United's drawn-out dealings could once again hinder their incoming business. In short, Sesko feels like the right target at the right time. Watkins? Maybe not. But what fans most want now is action — decisive, strategic and timely. The club can't afford another late scramble in the market.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
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Liverpool shortlist Manchester United Star as striker search expands
Liverpool's Striker Search Takes Unexpected Turn as Rashford Emerges as Surprise Option As Liverpool seek to bolster their attacking line ahead of the 2025/26 season, a name few expected has surfaced. According to a report by The Daily Mail, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been 'floated as an idea' by figures at Anfield should their move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak fall through. Advertisement While on paper such a transfer would send shockwaves through English football, the complexities surrounding it – from club rivalry to personal preferences – render it an intriguing yet improbable proposition. Big Ambitions, Bigger Obstacles Liverpool are not standing still. With six new signings already under Arne Slot, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, the reigning Premier League champions are building from a position of strength. Having toppled Manchester City last season, the Reds are looking to evolve their squad further, specifically in the number nine role. Newcastle's Alexander Isak is clearly the first-choice target. As The Daily Mail states, 'Liverpool have made an approach for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak in a £120million deal.' However, the Merseyside club are not putting all their trust in one pursuit. Sporting director Richard Hughes and Slot are reportedly assessing multiple forwards, casting a wide net in preparation for summer negotiations. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Rashford's Curious Situation One of the most unexpected names on Liverpool's shortlist is that of Marcus Rashford. Still just 27 and entering the peak of his career, Rashford's situation at Old Trafford has soured. According to The Daily Mail, 'Rashford is one of the forwards that Liverpool have on their list should they be unable to sign Isak from Newcastle.' Photo IMAGO Adding further intrigue, The Athletic have disclosed that the £325,000-a-week forward has been described as a 'shock Premier League name' at Anfield. This isn't merely idle gossip. While Liverpool remain cautious, the idea of Rashford leading the line under Arne Slot, with service from players like Wirtz and Frimpong, paints a mouthwatering image on Merseyside. Advertisement However, complications abound. Not only are Manchester United unlikely to sell to their fiercest rivals, but TEAMtalk reports that 'Rashford's dream is to play for Barcelona.' After a failed January switch due to financial restrictions, the Catalan giants remain in contact with the England international. He spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Aston Villa, suggesting that both club and player are ready for a fresh start. Alternatives to Isak and Rashford Liverpool's striker search extends beyond just Isak and Rashford. The club is reportedly monitoring Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa and Brentford's Yoane Wissa. Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Real Madrid's Rodrygo have also been listed among the potential options. This wide-ranging list indicates a careful strategy: Liverpool want quality but are not going to be held hostage by negotiation games. They aim to secure a forward who suits Slot's dynamic style without overpaying or compromising the squad's harmony. Advertisement Man Utd's Dilemma Meanwhile, the situation at Old Trafford grows increasingly unstable. New manager Ruben Amorim faces a massive rebuild after United's dismal 15th-place finish last season. Only Matheus Cunha, of their three new summer signings, is expected to feature in Amorim's regular XI. With Rashford seemingly out of favour, and his wages a burden, United may be forced to consider all options. But a sale to Liverpool? That would require seismic shifts behind the scenes. As one insider put it, 'The report has revealed that the £325,000-a-week (The Athletic) Man Utd forward's name has been 'floated as an idea' at Liverpool, adding that he is a 'shock Premier League name'.' Advertisement Our View – EPL Index Analysis 'Marcus Rashford to Liverpool?' That's the kind of rumour that makes fans spit out their morning brew. For many Reds, the idea of a United player donning the Liverbird is nothing short of unthinkable, even if the name is as big as Rashford's. The rivalry aside, there's undeniable quality in the England international. His pace, directness and experience at the highest level would make him a serious threat under Arne Slot. But there are serious doubts. Firstly, £325,000-a-week is steep for someone who didn't start regularly at United last term and had to find form at Aston Villa. Then there's the question of intent. If Rashford really has his heart set on Barcelona, is he the kind of player who'll give 100% at Anfield? Fans want players who live and breathe Liverpool, not those who see the club as a stepping stone or compromise. Advertisement Still, if Isak proves unattainable and the club believe Rashford fits Slot's system, it would be fascinating to see how the move plays out. Football has a way of surprising even the most seasoned observers. But for now, scepticism reigns.
