Liverpool fans were left more than a little puzzled on Friday after the events surrounding Alexander Isak.
The Reds have been in pursuit of Isak for the past couple of weeks, with a game of chess breaking out between the buying club, Newcastle and the player himself.
Everything appeared to have been building up to a big offer coming in from Liverpool. When it finally did, it was rejected out of hand by Newcastle.
Rumours then surfaced that Liverpool were set to walk away from the deal altogether after learning the firmness of the Geordies’ response.
As Rousing The Kop revealed on Friday evening, however, this is not the case. Liverpool are expected to come back in for Isak, but are likely to wait until Newcastle have at least sorted themselves a direct replacement.
And after news emerged from Slovenia on Friday night, it looks like the Magpies may have moved significantly closer to doing this.
Benjamin Sesko agrees to join Newcastle
As Newcastle scramble to come up with a back-up plan if Isak does leave for Liverpool, they have identified RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as a target.
Unfortunately, Manchester United want Sesko as well, and United’s interest had appeared to have made it exceptionally difficult for Newcastle to win this fight.
But according to Slovenian outlet Delo, the 22-year-old has chosen to join Newcastle.
They claim that ‘well informed sources’ have indicated that Sesko will be moving to St James’ Park for between £60-70m.
Clearly, this could be an update of major importance to Liverpool. If the Toon have just moved forward for Sesko, that is likely to edge Isak closer to the exit door.
Of course, there is a chance they double down and keep both Sesko and Isak at the club, but with the Swede pushing hard to leave, it feels unlikely at this point.
Liverpool one step closer to Alexander Isak
There were claims from The Daily Mail on Friday that Newcastle were ‘baffled’ by Liverpool’s ‘lowball’ offer for Isak.
But the inference has been all the way through that the landscape here could shift dramatically if the Magpies have their replacement lined up.
The whole saga will then take on a different shape, with Newcastle no longer able to tell Isak himself that he needs to be replaced before leaving.
Given their belligerence so far, it cannot be ruled out that Newcastle are plotting an ambitious move to pair Sesko with Isak. They were adamant that Hugo Ekitike would be brought in as well as, not instead of, the Sweden international after all.
But, back in reality, this feels like one rather big step closer to Isak ultimately getting his wish and joining Liverpool.
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