Alexander Isak plays role in Man Utd transfer push as INEOS decide priority target

Alexander Isak's desire to leave Newcastle has reportedly catapulted Manchester United into action over their search for a new striker. The Red Devils are said to have 'accelerated' their interest in Benjamin Sesko after discovering that the RB Leipzig star is Newcastle's top pick to replace Isak.

Liverpool are the favourites to sign Isak this summer after he reportedly informed Newcastle of his desire to leave. The Sweden international, who scored 27 goals last season, also has interest from Saudi Arabia. However, it is understood that he would rather remain in Europe's top five leagues. His apparent stance on his Newcastle future is likely to prompt several dominoes to fall across the transfer market.

According to The Athletic, after learning that Isak wants to leave Newcastle, Man Utd were prompted into gear over their pursuit of a new No. 9. Sesko is reportedly the Red Devils' priority for the position.

However, United will be well aware of Newcastle's need for a new centre-forward if Isak departs St. James' Park. The Magpies will also have a spare £150million if the 25-year-old leaves for Liverpool or elsewhere.

Sesko is one of the most in-demand forwards this summer. That is despite him enduring a relatively underwhelming campaign last term, scoring 13 Bundesliga goals. It came following a summer in which he opted to remain in Leipzig for another year and snubbed interest from Arsenal.

Twelve months on, several top European clubs need a new striker and the highly coveted Viktor Gyokeres is off the market, having joined Arsenal. Meanwhile, Isak is proving to be too expensive for many teams.

United have improved their forward line this summer with the combined £130m additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. However, there is a sense that a new striker is required. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scored seven Premier League goals between them last term.

Departures may be necessary if United are to spend much more before the Premier League season returns in a little over two weeks. Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have all been told they can find new clubs, but they are yet to leave.

Marcus Rashford recently left for Barcelona on loan. However, the £25m option to sign the forward permanently from United does not kick in until next summer.