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NEWCASTLE ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BACK-UP OPTIONS FOR ALEXANDER ISAK THIS SUMMER 06:45, 02 Jun 2025 Newcastle United face a difficult dilemma this summer. Eddie Howe will know he needs back

up striker options for star man Alexander Isak, with Callum Wilson on the verge of leaving and a demanding season ahead. However, there are more pressing transfer issues to address

elsewhere, and with limited resources, United will not want to overspend on someone who may not command a first-team place, at least initiially. Ipswich's Liam Delap seemed to tick most

boxes. He's young, has plenty of potential and can leave Portman Road for £30m. However, with Chelsea winning the race to sign the England Under-21 star, it's back to the drawing

board. There are plenty of candidates out there, but you have to pay big for guaranteed talent, or take something of a risk on a younger player with something to prove. And they have to be

willing to fight for a place behind Isak. It's a tricky balance to strike, so what are Newcastle's options? Here's how things look. BIG-MONEY DEAL There are no shortages of

big-name candidates to splash the cash on this summer. The problem is, none will want to play second fiddle to Isak and United don't necessarily want to spending huge amounts in this

area. Eddie Howe warned against expecting many big names when it came to transfers, but these are men in demand. Benjamim Sesko has been on United's radar for at least three years, and

could be heading to the Premier League with Arsenal in a deal worth around £90m. Likewise Joao Pedro was a striker United tried to sign before he went to Brighton. He could leave this summer

but bids in excess of £60m are expected for the Brazilian. Hugo Ekitike has kickstarted his career in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt after turning United down in 2022 in favour of a move

to PSG. Liverpool are reportedly keen on the French striker, with an £85m deal in the pipeline. Article continues below _THE CHRONICLE SAYS . . . _while it would be great to see another

big-name striker at St James' Park, the reality is United will be have other transfer prioriities when it comes to investing big. It would be hard to justify a big spend on a player who

will be back-up to Isak, so don't expect a top-end deal. FREE AGENTS Two players on the opposite ends of the spectrum here, with Jonathan David and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Canada

striker David has a plethora of offers after announcing he would be leaving Lille when his contract expires at the end ot the month. United have regularly watched the frontman, who impressed

in the Champions League for the French outfit, but it seems as though he is heading for Serie A, with Napoli leading the chase. A year ago, Newcastle made enquiries about Calvert-Lewin, but

Everton's valuation meant United walked away from any deal. Now he is set to leave the Toffees on a free . . . but will the Magpies still be interested. He had another injury-hit

season, but has the Premier League calibre, and could be happy to take his chances when Isak is rested or injured. _THE CHRONICLE SAYS . . . _David may be heading elsewhere, but while

Calvert-Lewin may not set many pulses races, he could yet tick a box for United and save them up £20-30m in the process. CUT-PRICE MOVES If Newcastle are to sign a new striker, then

it's likely they will be aiming for someone with potential who does not cost the earth, and who will benefit from working with Howe and his team of coaches. Chelsea's Armando Broja

has been mooted, after he suffered another difficult loan spell, this time at Everton. North of the border. Celtic's Nicolas Kuhn and Hearts hotshot James Wilson have been linked with

Newcastle. Wilson in particular has caught the eye and earned a place in the senior Scotland squad despite still only being 18. Tammy Abraham could leave AC Milan this summer and is thought

to cost around £25m, while young French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo is another United reportedly hold an interest in _THE CHRONICLE SAYS . . . _Spending £20m on a back-up option could be

United's best bet, although there will always be an element of a gamble involved, especially as they will need to be able to step into the side. Abraham is an interesting one, while

Hearts youngster Wilson is one to watch. ACADEMY GRADUATE Now this would be the dream, wouldn't it? A young striker emerging from the academy ranks to stake their place in the starting

XI? How long has it been since a goalscorer came from the youth ranks? Andy Carroll was probably the last to establish himself in the first team, but with Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson

showing their is a path to follow, who could step up? Article continues below Sean Neave has featured on the bench several times this season, without yet making his debut, while Ben

Parkinson has been on the scene for some years now. Big things are expected from Alfie Harrison, and this summer's pre-season campaign could be telling. THE CHRONICLE SAYS . . . It

would be great to see, but there's little evidence at this stage that anyone is quite ready. That's not to say things will change quickly, however, and with extra games next term,

there will be more reliance on the academy to provide players for squad rotation.