NEWCASTLE UNITED sent scouts to watch a potential new star striker after learning they are likely to miss out on their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.
The Magpies appear to have lost the race to sign highly-rated Sesko to Manchester United after the 22-year-old indicated he would prefer a switch to Old Trafford.
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Eddie Howe will need a new frontman if Alexander Isak is to depart for Liverpool after seemingly trying to force an exit.
And SunSport understands that could be Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis.
Newcastle scouts watched the Greek ace, 26, on Wednesday night as Benfica beat Nice 2-0 in a Champions League qualifier.
Pavlidis is understood to have a release clause worth £87million.
The 48-time Greece international scored 30 goals and registered 13 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions last season.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Pavlidis was also being considered by Manchester United in the event they are unable to sign Sesko.
Newcastle are considering other targets too as they scramble to find an adequate contingency plan for Isak’s potential exit.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is of interest to Howe and his team, but has been valued at a whopping £80million by the Blues.
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Jackson is available this summer after falling behind new signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea’s player trading model will mean they will stand firm on recouping a good price for the striker, who still has eight years remaining on his contract.
Boss Enzo Maresca has left the door open to that exit too, saying this week: “When the transfer window is open, unfortunately or fortunately, anything can happen.
“So this also involves Nico’s situation at the moment.”
Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle is still up in the air, despite Liverpool’s well-documented interest.
The Swede was frozen out of Newcastle’s family barbecue gathering organised by Howe on Wednesday, instead being ordered to report to training after the rest of the squad had left.
The Toon boss said on Monday that Isak must “earn the right” to training his teammates after “acting poorly” amid the speculation around his future.
Liverpool had a £110m bid turned down by Newcastle for the bagsman and insiders have insisted that they do not plan on returning with an improved offer.
However it is not clear if that is a negotiation tactic as they try and bring Newcastle down from their £150m valuation.
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