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Topics: Alexander Isak, Newcastle United, Premier League, Transfer News, Football, Liverpool, Saudi Pro League
Tom Jenkins
Topics: Alexander Isak, Newcastle United, Premier League, Transfer News, Football, Liverpool, Saudi Pro League
Alexander Isak has made a clear demand to Newcastle in order for him to stay at the club amid interest from Liverpool and Al-Hilal.
Isak made himself the hottest property in the Premier League last season after scoring 23 goals as well as starring in the club's Carabao Cup victory.
The Sweden international has been predominantly linked with a move and Liverpool, with Arne Slot reportedly viewing the 25-year-old as his dream summer signing.
However, the Reds have now agreed a deal worth £79m for Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike which was likely an alternative to the Newcastle striker.
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Isak has also been of significant interest to the Saudi's, with the striker reportedly giving the green light for negotiations to begin with Al-Hilal.
Isak's representative Gonzalo Gaitan has spoken out up about the situation to Saudi Arabian newspaper Arriyadiyah, amid recent links between the striker and several Saudi Pro League sides.
He said: "We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player. Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle."
With their star man edging to the exit door, Newcastle will be desperate to fend off interest and Isak has reportedly given the club the exact conditions in which he would stay at the club.
According to talkSPORT, Isak has demanded a salary of £300,000 to sign a new deal at St James' Park.
A deal of that magnitude would completely decimate the club's wage structure, and could lead to similar issues Man Utd faced in recent seasons.
Despite reporting back for pre-season training, Isak was not present for the club's 4-0 loss to Celtic on Saturday.
"It was my decision. He travelled to Glasgow with us but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him," Howe told reporters.
"The last thing he wanted was to be sat in the stand watching - that wasn't fair to him. But I'm confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window.
"Your top players are so hard to find, so hard to recruit and so hard to develop. So when you have them, you need to treasure them. Of course we're desperate to keep him as part of our team."
"Yes, I've had discussions with him, but that's not abnormal," said Howe. "I respect a player's career and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he's trained really well and I realise there'll be noise around him."