ZHAKE
Newcastle United will still hold out for more than £100million for Alexander Isak if they fail to secure Champions League qualification and are determined to convince the St James’ Park fan favourite to end speculation over his future by signing a new contract, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Magpies sanctioned the departure of Lloyd Kelly in the final hours of the winter transfer window, with the central defender joining Juventus on an initial loan deal which includes a £20million obligation to become permanent, but head coach Eddie Howe is desperate to avoid a situation where his first-choice marksman heads through the exit door in the summer.
Although William Osula has provided the tactician with another attacking option this season, thanks to completing a £15million switch from Sheffield United in August, Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle are eager to hold onto Isak instead of listening to cut-price offers in the coming months.
Newcastle will not entertain bids which fall short of £100million for Isak in the summer, according to GMS sources, and their stance is not on course to change regardless of whether they succeed in booking their return to the Champions League by finishing the campaign in the Premier League’s top four.
Magpies supporters have been left fearing that the Sweden international could be allowed to embark on a fresh challenge away from Tyneside for a bargain fee after there were suggestions from Spain that his current employers would be prepared to listen to offers in the region of £83million if they miss out on Europe’s elite club competition.
But GMS sources have been informed that is wide of the mark as Newcastle value Isak at more than £100million and – with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona showing interest thanks to his prolific form this season – will refrain from considering dropping their demands even if they do not bag a place in the Champions League.
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