Here’s the latest on the Ollie Watkins–Newcastle United transfer situation amid the Alexander Isak saga:

 

 

Here’s the latest on the Ollie Watkins–Newcastle United transfer situation amid the Alexander Isak saga:

 

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**Ollie Watkins: Rumour vs. Reality**

 

Newcastle United have reportedly placed Ollie Watkins, the 29‑year‑old Aston Villa striker, on a shortlist of potential replacements—particularly if Alexander Isak leaves ([Sky Sports][1], [Football Insider][2], [Sports Mole][3]). Football Insider quotes a trusted scout, Mick Brown, saying Watkins is “certainly on that list” and that Villa would be open to offers ([Football Insider][2]).

 

Financially, the potential package is eye‑watering—a valuation around **£100 million total** (split between transfer fee and wages) has been estimated . Despite this, more recent reporting suggests Watkins is **not currently a “live option”** in Newcastle’s recruitment strategy, with the club prioritizing other targets such as Yoane Wissa or Benjamin Sesko ([Geordie Boot Boys][4]).

 

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**Context: Alexander Isak’s Uncertain Future**

 

* Alexander Isak has publicly declared that “trust is lost” between him and Newcastle, citing **“broken promises”** and announcing that “the relationship can’t continue” ([The Times][5], [TalkSport][6], [Liverpool Offside][7]).

* He skipped the PFA awards ceremony, is training separately, and was left out of Newcastle’s opener—a sign of deepening tensions ([The Times][5], [Coming Home Newcastle][8], [TalkSport][6]).

* Meanwhile, the club has shortlisted replacements—including Watkins, Nicolas Jackson, Yoane Wissa, Jørgen Strand Larsen, and Gonçalo Ramos—to prepare for a potential departure before the September 1 deadline ([The Times][9]).

 

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**Verdict in \~300 Words**

 

Amid the growing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle, speculative links to Ollie Watkins have surfaced—but they’re far from definitive. Reliable sources confirm Watkins is on Newcastle’s radar and that both the club and player could explore a deal. However, more recent analysis indicates that Newcastle’s recruitment team currently favors **Yoane Wissa** or **Benjamin Sesko** over Watkins—whom they regard as **not a live target right now** due to cost, age, and team fit concerns.

 

Isak’s deteriorating relationship with the club—with public expressions of discontent, training absences, and strained dynamics—has accelerated Newcastle’s search for a striker. Yet, the Watkins rumors remain just that: credible speculation rather than imminent signs of action.

 

Unless circumstances shift significantly, particularly with Newcastle needing a ready-made goal-scoring solution, Watkins looks more like a **potential fallback** than a front-runner in this transfer race.

 

Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of Watkin’s stats, contract details, or comparables among the other striker targets!

 

[1]: on?”