Newcastle 'line up' most ambitious transfer of window amid Alexander Isak saga

The Alexander Isak saga continues to roll on and he will be heading into the final day of the summer transfer window as an inactive Newcastle United player.

Newcastle have held firm on their valuation of their leading striker, refusing to budge without a replacement in place even while the Swede remains effectively on strike in pursuit of a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.

The Magpies have now brought in towering German Under-21 and senior international striker Nick Woltemade, signing the 23-year-old from Stuttgart, while Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-forward Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford's Yoane Wissa have both been holding out for a switch to Tyneside.

Eddie Howe has effectively lost both Isak and Callum Wilson since the end of last season so the likelihood is that Newcastle do indeed push for one of those extra additions, but the attack isn't the only department where Howe wants to strengthen his hand.

Having allowed Sean Longstaff to leave the club in the current transfer window, reports in Spain indicate that Newcastle are lining up a hugely ambitious bid for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

"Real Madrid has once again become a focus of the international transfer market following rumours that Eduardo Camavinga is in Newcastle United's sights," reports Fichajes.

"The English club, looking to strengthen its midfield for the second half of the season, has sounded out several profiles, including the young Frenchman.

"The Magpies are willing to put on the table a proposal of 40 million euros fixed plus 10 million in variables. However, in the Spanish capital, their position is very clear: the French midfielder is not for sale. The club is not considering parting ways with a player who will only turn 23 in November and who still has plenty of room to develop."

Camavinga playing for Real Madrid in the 21/22 Champions League Group stage (Image: PA Images)

Camavinga's asking price is believed to be up around the 70 million euro mark but Newcastle's interest in a player still in the plans of the Spanish capital club is punchy to say the least.

The French international joined Real Madrid from Rennes in 2021 and has been a regular at the Bernabeu, racking up 180 appearances in all competitions.

Injury problems limited his impact last season, during which he appeared in only 19 matches in La Liga as his team fell short in the title race.

He has also been ruled out of all of their matches so far in 2025-26 with an ankle injury.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid appear to be extremely reluctant sellers and Newcastle, though they have Champions League football to offer, would also do well to persuade the player to make the move.