‘Alexander Isak’s price rises – Liverpool prepared to push the boat out’
Alexander Isak has been the subject of heavy transfer speculation this summer, and his value could rise even further over the next year.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with the 25-year-old in recent months, with the pair looking to fill centre-forward-shaped holes in their starting lineups.
The Magpies have maintained throughout that their star striker is not for sale, with Eddie Howe desperate to improve his side ahead of their upcoming campaign in the Champions League, rather than see it deplete.
Former Manchester United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle are increasingly confident that Isak will sign a new deal at St James’ Park.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes the Sweden international will benefit from staying in the north east.
‘Isak playing it cool in negotiations’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Isak’s agents are placing stories in the press to try and get a better new deal for the attacker at Newcastle.
The Magpies are expected to offer the Swede a big pay increase to persuade him to sign a new contract at the club.
Wyness added that Isak’s valuation will go up if he has another impressive season under Howe.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “His agents are playing it very cool. I can read through the articles that are placed by his agents, sort of talking about other clubs that want him.
“I think he’s going to stay, and all the rest of it right now is just agent talk in the press while they’re trying to squeeze Newcastle up a little bit further in terms of the new deal.
“He’d become a legend if he does well this season and Newcastle play in the Champions League again. I know he’s been enjoying his time up there.
“I think another season, and if he does well and keeps injury-free, his valuation will only go up. He’s a quality player, there’s no doubt, and I think it would be good for him to hang on.
“Liverpool are going to do all they can to get him, and he would be their highest-paid player, and I think they’re prepared to push the boat out on that, but I expect him to stay at Newcastle.”
‘Newcastle set sights on signing Chelsea star’
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly turned their attentions towards Chelsea winger Noni Madueke who could leave Stamford Bridge in search of guaranteed playing time.
That is according to former scout Brown, who claims that the 23-year-old would be interested in a move to St James’ Park.
This comes as the Magpies could now walk away from their efforts to sign Anthony Elanga after seeing a £45million bid for the Nottingham Forest star rejected.
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