Newcastle keeping tabs on Nicolas Jackson amid Sesko pursuit | OneFootball

Newcastle United are keeping a close eye on Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as part of their efforts to sign a new striker this summer, The i Paper reports.

The Senegal international is one of several names being considered by the Magpies, who are bracing for the possible departure of their star forward Alexander Isak.

Isak has reportedly informed Newcastle’s hierarchy that he wants to leave St. James’ Park this summer amid concrete interest from Liverpool.

The Reds are expected to make a formal bid in the coming days, and their pursuit could be strengthened by the £66 million they’re set to receive from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz.

In preparation for Isak’s possible exit, Newcastle have started exploring attacking options, and Jackson is one of many names on their extensive shortlist.

The Magpies are leaving nothing to chance and also have RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa under consideration.

Newcastle haven’t submitted any official bid to Chelsea, but rumour has it that preliminary talks between both clubs have already taken place.

Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge is far from certain. Chelsea have bolstered their attacking ranks with the additions of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer, so Jackson has dropped down the pecking order.

The 24-year-old has shown plenty of promise during his two-year spell in West London, racking up 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for the Blues.

He has all the tools to become one of the best strikers in the world, but has struggled to put it together, and his finishing has been frustrating to watch.

Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Jackson, and the striker wants to fight for his place, but the club won’t stand in his way if a substantial fee comes in.

The Blues signed him from Villarreal for around £32m in 2023, and they now value him at £80m.

Newcastle are hoping they’ll be able to agree a deal around £65m, but they’ve yet to make their move and may have to battle Juventus in the race to sign him.

The Magpies are still in talks to sign Sesko and are hoping they can find common ground with Brentford for Wissa.