Newcastle United were actively pursuing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa but internal sentiment at St. James' Park suggests that Sesko is edging closer to a move to Manchester United, as revealed by The Daily Mail. This is another massive blow to Newcastle’s recruitment plans given how highly they rate the Slovenian talent.

• Newcastle were keen on Sesko
• Man Utd might hijack the move
• Magpies forced to look for an alternative

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Magpies' admiration for Sesko has been no secret, but United’s aggressive approach this summer, having already secured the signatures of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, has complicated matters significantly. With the Red Devils now believed to have made Sesko a key part of their planning, Newcastle may have to turn their attention elsewhere.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  If Sesko indeed ends up at Old Trafford, Newcastle are prepared to pivot to alternative targets. One name high on their list is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The England international has been a consistent performer for Villa and represents a proven Premier League option. Also featured on Newcastle’s shortlist is Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. The young striker has shown flashes of potential at Stamford Bridge, but sources close to the club indicate that Jackson is not among their leading options at the moment, with several other names currently ranked above him in the pecking order.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Newcastle are also keeping tabs on Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz. While no direct negotiations have taken place with Fulham, the Tyneside club has made an initial approach through intermediaries to explore the feasibility of a deal. A valuation of around £40 million has been floated in these preliminary discussions.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

  Newcastle’s summer struggles continued in South Korea, where they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against a K-League All-Star side at the Suwon World Cup Stadium. The game once again underlined a troubling trend for Eddie Howe’s men—a lack of goals and cutting edge in the final third.

  Without Alexander Isak, the Magpies looked toothless in attack, failing to convert several half-chances and unable to break down a well-organised K-League side. The defeat further emphasised the urgency to reinforce their attack before the season kicks off. Their next pre-season fixture comes on August 3, when they face fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

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