Craig Hope: Newcastle now plotting move to sign £130,000-a-week striker alongside Wissa
Newcastle United Consider Ollie Watkins as Contingency Plan Amid Isak Exit Talks
Newcastle United are reportedly preparing for life without Alexander Isak as speculation around the Swedish striker’s potential move to Liverpool intensifies. With Jurgen Klopp’s side ramping up their interest, the Magpies have begun to explore high-profile replacements, and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins has emerged as a serious target.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Watkins is one of the preferred options being closely monitored by the Newcastle hierarchy. This comes in the wake of Liverpool’s ambitious £110 million bid for Isak, which was turned down on Friday. Despite the rejection, the Reds remain keen and may come back with an improved offer, especially with whispers circulating that Isak could soon hand in a transfer request to force the move.
Newcastle have wasted no time in identifying alternatives should the 25-year-old depart St James’ Park. Their first major step came over the weekend with a £70 million offer for highly-rated RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško. However, the Magpies are facing stiff competition from Manchester United, who have also shown strong interest in the Slovenian international. Initially, Šeško was believed to prefer a move to Old Trafford, putting Newcastle’s pursuit in a precarious position.
As such, attention has now turned to Ollie Watkins, a proven Premier League goal scorer who is coming off a stellar campaign with Aston Villa. The 29-year-old played a crucial role in Unai Emery’s side qualifying for the Champions League, further cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable English forwards in the top flight.
Watkins, who reportedly earns around £130,000 per week, has also attracted interest from Manchester United as they continue their search for a new number nine. There is a growing belief that whichever club misses out on Šeško will likely pivot to Watkins as their next option. For Newcastle, this fallback plan could gain traction rapidly if Isak’s departure becomes inevitable.
However, any move for Watkins is expected to be expensive. Villa have made it clear they will not entertain bids below £60 million for their prized striker. With three years still remaining on his contract, they hold a strong negotiating position. The West Midlands club had previously rejected overtures from Manchester United earlier in the summer, demonstrating their firm stance on Watkins’ value.
In addition to Watkins and Šeško, Newcastle are also exploring other potential replacements for Isak. Wolves forward Jørge Strand Larsen has been mentioned among the names under consideration, while Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is also on the club’s radar. The latter is reportedly furious with Brentford after the Bees blocked his proposed switch to Tyneside, having rejected a £35 million offer—well below their £50 million asking price.
With the Premier League season fast approaching and uncertainty looming over Isak’s future, Newcastle’s transfer activity is expected to intensify. Whether they succeed in securing Šeško, shift focus to Watkins, or pursue an entirely different target, the club is clearly determined not to be left vulnerable up front if their talismanic striker makes a blockbuster move to Anfield.