State of play for United in the transfer window

NEWCASTLE United are aiming for a strong finish to the summer window after getting fresh assurances from PIF that business can be done - despite a series of setbacks in the transfer market.

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

Even after agreeing a price for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle find themselves waiting on the player’s personal preferences.

Manchester United, a club the striker has admired for some time, are set to imminently conclude a deal for the Slovenian, with the player’s agent having made various visits to Old Trafford in recent years.

Other targets have been discussed in the defensive ranks and midfield while outgoing business also seems in the pipeline. Here's where Newcastle stand on some of the links across the media.

Alexander Isak

The Sweden striker is still very much a Newcastle United player for now and trained alone on Wednesday, spending more than two hours at the club’s Benton base.

A decision is awaited whether he rejoins the main group for training or features in either the Espanyol or Atletico Madrid games at St James’ Park, which take place tonight and tomorrow.

Newcastle have concerns over Isak’s levels of fitness after missing a large chunk of preseason due to absence from squad in the Far East last week. Howe stated that his wish was for Isak to return to training but he must adhere to the standards currently in place at United.