Alexander Isak: Newcastle to open sit-down talks imminently
Newcastle United are planning to hold sit-down talks over the offer of a new contract for Alexander Isak before the end of the season.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that a new deal for the 25-year-old has become a priority at St James’ Park.
This comes amid growing interest from the likes of Arsenal, although the Magpies plan to price them out of a move with a £150million price tag.
A new contract will further strengthen their position, but the club are under no pressure to sell as his current deal runs until 2028.
Football Insider revealed that Newcastle are well-positioned to offer Isak a new contract and will try to convince him of their long-term project under Eddie Howe.
There had been concerns about the club’s financial power, but offloading a number of fringe players in January has strengthened their position.
They are now expected to sit down with the player in the coming weeks to reward his excellent performances at St James’ Park this season.
Newcastle working hard to secure Alexander Isak contract
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has echoed his previous claims and insisted they are working hard on a deal behind the scenes.
“They’re working really hard to get a new contract agreed,” he told Football Insider.
“He is, by far, the top centre-forward in the country as far as I’m concerned.
“He’s got everything in his locker. He’s got a good first-touch, can have the ball played into him, can beat people, he can run in behind, he’s quick, and he scores goals of every description.
“So Newcastle are going to do whatever they can to keep him at the club.
“They’re demanding £150million to start negotiations, and that’s what it is, but I can’t see them letting him go.
“It might depend on him, because if he’s got the idea in his mind that he’s going to go somewhere like Arsenal, then it could be taken out of their hands.
“But as far as they’re concerned, that isn’t the case, and they’re going to get him a new deal.
“I think they’ll sit down with him before the end of the season to discuss it and then they’ll come to an agreement – that’s going to be their priority now.
“If they can keep him at the club, it’s going to be a huge boost.”
Fabian Schar set for contract talks after latest Eddie Howe decision
Following the end of the January transfer window, Newcastle have set their sights on renewing the contracts of a number of their key players.
While Isak’s deal remains the priority, they are now set to step up their efforts for Fabian Schar to sign a new deal, as his current terms are set to expire in June.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 10 February that Howe views the centre-back as an important player in his side and preliminary talks have already taken place.
Negotiations are now set to be accelerated in the coming weeks as they push towards reaching a full agreement to extend his stay in the North East.
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