Newcastle boss Eddie Howe needs no reminders that his side are crying out for reinforcements amid the sobering reality regarding Alexander Isak’s future.The Magpies have swung and missed on several transfer targets this window.Howe needs some fresh faces through the door at St James’ ParkAFPBryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dean Huijsen and Hugo Ekitike were all wanted by Newcastle.However, the quintet ended up signing elsewhere and left the Tyneside outfit in the dust.A sixth star looks set to be added to the ever-growing list of players wanted by Newcastle only to turn them down, as Manchester City appear to have hijacked the club’s move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.Howe did manage to land one of his targets in the form of electric winger Anthony Elanga, who arrived from Nottingham Forest in a £55million deal.However, the Toon boss knows the addition of the Sweden international won’t be enough for the upcoming campaign as they return to the bright lights of the Champions League.“We’re not deluded,” Howe said following Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in Singapore as part of their pre-season preparations.“We know we need to bring players in. We’ve known that. We know what we wanted.“It’s been a challenging window.”If the inability to land their top targets hasn’t been enough of a blow, superstar striker Isak threw a major spanner into the works when he informed Newcastle he wanted to leave.News of Isak‘s request broke last Thursday after he was left behind for the club’s pre-season tour of Singapore due to what the club initially claimed was a minor thigh injury.The Swede’s future is set to dominate the headlines for the rest of the summer windowGettyAnd Howe conceded there was ‘no chance’ Isak is a late arrival on the tour amid the rampant speculation regarding his future.What’s the latest on Isak’s future?Premier League champions Liverpool and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal are the frontrunners in the Isak sweepstakes and talkSPORT understands the Reds have indicated they are prepared to break the British transfer record for the 25-year-old.However, the Magpies are ready to play hardball as they have slapped a £150m price tag on the Swede’s head.Another factor in Newcastle’s favour is that Isak remains contracted until the summer of 2028.A key element of the saga is the fact Isak is yet to submit an official transfer request.But should Newcastle’s hand be forced, talkSPORT understands the club would rather negotiate a move away from the Premier League for Isak.GettyIsak has netted 54 times in the league for the Magpies since his arrival in August 2022[/caption]Who could replace Isak if he does leave?In the event of Isak’s departure, Newcastle have placed Benjamin Sesko on their shortlist as a potential replacement.Howe is a long-term admirer of the RB Leipzig striker and has tracked his progress at the German side, where he has 39 goals and eight assists in 87 appearances.Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is another target, with the Bees demanding at least £40m to sell.Wissa himself is keen on the move and has even taken the drastic step of refusing to train in a bid to force through an exit. The Magpies have already had a £25m bid rejected by Brentford, who have indicated to all interest parties it will take upwards of £50m to bring them to the negotiating table.