Newcastle Sets Sights on New Premier League Striker Following Benjamin Sesko Setback

Newcastle United are now believed to view Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson as a "genuine target" to strengthen their attacking options up front.

The Magpies appear likely to lose out on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško, who is moving closer to a switch to Manchester United instead. The Slovenian international has reportedly expressed his preference to join the Red Devils in a transfer beginning at £65 million ($86.6 million), forcing Newcastle to reconsider and explore alternative options.

Jackson—who is regarded by numerous clubs as a "reliable", though not exceptional, choice—had been tentatively connected with Manchester United before Šeško became their primary objective, having also momentarily evaluated Ollie Watkins. Newcastle now take up that pursuit, as reported by The Telegraph.

The strategy at Newcastle, despite continuing Liverpool interest in Alexander Isak and the Swedish forward informing the club of his wish to consider a move, is for a new signing—such as Jackson—to enhance and assist Isak, rather than substitute him

That was the plan when Hugo Ekitiké—currently at Liverpool—was being targeted, and it remains unchanged. After skipping Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia and training separately in Spain, officially under the guise of managing injury rehabilitation, Isak has returned to Tyneside only to be compelled into quarantine at home.

Jackson is believed to be obtainable in what's left of the summer transfer period, having witnessed his regular position at Chelsea from last campaign face significant competition from the recent signings of Liam Delap and João Pedro in west London. He could now be third in the pecking order for manager Enzo Maresca.

Earlier this summer, Chelsea were reportedly pricing Jackson at £80–100 million ($106.6–133.2 million). Practically, any transfer fee would probably be in comparable range to the £60 million ($79.9 million) deal that brought Pedro to Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion. Even at the reduced price, the Blues would make a substantial profit on a player acquired for just over half that sum only two years prior.

Across two campaigns as a Chelsea player, Jackson has netted 30 goals in all competitions—24 of which came in 65 Premier League matches. He initially developed at Villarreal and just a few months before joining Chelsea was a failed medical examination away from becoming a Bournemouth player.