The more time goes by, the more I believe Newcastle United are likely to end the window with a brand new star striker and Yoane Wissa – but no Alexander Isak.

The next few days could be massive, whether that’s Benjamin Sesko’s final decision or Isak’s next move on his return to Newcastle.

Either way, it just feels to me like we’re lining up our options should our efforts to sign the RB Leipzig striker fail. And there is every chance they will based on our record when battling a ‘big six’ club for a big signing this summer (Pedro, Ekitike, Delap, Mbeumo and Trafford).

All is not lost. If Isak continues to push for an exit, Liverpool agree to pay massive money and we identify a quality replacement to sign alongside Wissa, we can still come out of his strongly. But who could the Sesko alternatives be?

Samu the man if Sesko says no?

According to Diaro AS reporter Eduardo Burgos, Newcastle United have added Porto powerhouse Samu Aghehowa to their striker shortlist.

It’s suggested a move could be made for the 21-year-old should our bid for top target Benjamin Sesko fail, with Toon chiefs pushing the Slovenian for a final decision after serious interest from Newcastle and Man Utd.

Samu scored 27 goals for Porto last season, including six in nine Europa League games, and in that time broke into the Spanish national team, making two appearances.

Back to Burgos’ update,  he claims Newcastle have been tracking the 6ft 4′ striker all year and are considering a move – but insists we have not made an offer, as of yet.

Ideally, Porto want to keep the former Granada and Alaves talent for another year, although Burgos states that they would reluctantly sell if €80m (£70m) was offered.

Samu, described as a ‘monster’ by his teammates, is a physical specimen who scored goals for fun last season, in Portugal and in European competition, but it would be a risk. Perhaps one worth taking if Sesko ends up at Man Utd, although work is needed on his first touch, from what I’ve read.

Ramos and Watkins also on the list?

Talking of striker shortlists should Sesko say ‘no’ to Newcastle, The Mail’s Craig Hope has named two more ‘on the list.’

He’s already highlighted that Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is a Premier League proven option we’ve lined up, should we be given encouragement on that potential deal.

But the latest is PSG’s Goncalo Ramos, who was targeted by Newcastle during his time at Benfica a few years ago.

The 24-year-old is open to leaving PSG this summer, scored 19 goals for the Champions League holders and has been prolific for his country, netting nine in 16 for Portugal.

I’d argue that reports of potential alternatives to Sesko have come at an appropriate time, which may be no coincidence.

After all, if Newcastle really are seeking an answer from Sesko’s camp in the ‘next 24 hours’ after more talks on Sunday, it could remind both them and RB Leipzig that we won’t wait forever, especially if there is a growing belief Isak will go.

With two strikers, a midfielder and a centre-back still needed before 1st September and the season kicking off a week on Saturday, we need to get moving.