Alexander Isak has given Newcastle a huge boost by restating his commitment to Newcastle and shutting down suggestions of a £100m-plus transfer.
The Swedish star is one player Eddie Howe needs to keep to relaunch his side after a mixed campaign when they finished seventh and fell out of the Euro elite. Isak netted 21 goals in the league and 25 in total for the Toon, hitting numbers last seen on Tyneside 20 years ago when Alan Shearer reached those totals.
The star’s versatility across the front line as a goalscorer, coming from wide or deep, and with dribbling skills, have caught the eye of United’s rivals. But Newcastle have stood firm behind the scenes and will price any potential bidders off with a price tag of £150m, while also hoping to keep Brazilian playmaker Bruno Guimaraes.
Howe will have had a good transfer window if he can keep both his key outfield players, and raise cash selling fringe stars instead. Isak’s prowess is needed with fans demanding a top-four push and cup challenges next season now the squad are free from the demands of European games.
Isak is remaining calm over his future and has moved to reassure the club saying: “It’s not something I speculate about. Within the team or the club, there has been no talk or drama around it.
Wenger breaks silence on Arsenal visit as he doubles down on title prediction“I have not received any information from the club that they would have to sell me. It’s been good, especially the second part of the season. I had some hiccups and injuries in the first part.
"It was a bit difficult to find the flow, but in the last few months, I’ve been playing regularly and getting continuity. It has shown in the performances too,” he added. “I am most satisfied with my season. I scored a lot of goals in a league like the Premier League. I think mostly about my own performance, and I’m very happy with that.”
It is unclear how much Newcastle have to spend this summer. New sponsorship deals including the release of their new Adidas kit on June 7, have boosted the coffers, but Euro income falls from £40m last season to zero next season.
They are hunting a new keeper to challenge Nick Pope, with negotiations for Giorgi Mamardashvili going up to £35m, or Burnley ’s James Trafford. They also want a new right winger with Jarrod Bowen and Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White watched, and a back-up striker, although Dominic Calvert Lewin has been offered a new deal at Everton. Lloyd Kelly will arrive on a free from Bournemouth.
Howe believes there is huge uncertainty in the summer transfer market after January was quiet for all clubs. That may prompt a big spending splurge, or the static market could continue with club's continuing to be fearful of falling foul of financial rules.
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