Eddie Howe will be nervous about holding onto star striker Alexander Isak at Newcastle as his fine goalscoring form continues.
That's according to talkSPORT's Tony Cascarino with Premier League clubs potentially set their sights on a move for the Magpies' talent.
Isak was in excellent form for Newcastle with three goals at Ipswich
4
Isak was in excellent form for Newcastle with three goals at IpswichCredit: Getty
Isak scored a hat-trick in Newcastle's 4-0 win at Ipswich Town on Saturday, with his first coming in the opening minute.
The Sweden international has now netted in his last four consecutive league games, although linked with an exit to a rival club.
Arsenal have been regularly linked with Isak ever since he signed for Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022.
With the January transfer window around the corner, speculation is set to increase but Howe is confident of being able to keep him.
MORE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
"Yeah I am," he told talkSPORT. "I think we're trying to build, I say many times every transfer window that comes round, we're trying to build.
"And I think this window for us is probably more about getting the best out of the players that we have rather than looking externally.
"I don't see us doing huge business, incomings, so it goes without saying, we want to keep our best players."
talkSPORT understands that Newcastle are under pressure to sell players in January amid Profit and Sustainability [PSR] fears.
However, Weekend Sports Breakfast's Cascarino senses Howe is nervy of the interest in Isak, saying: "It's quite clear, Eddie Howe is nervous.
"You know, 'We can't do much business, it's important we keep the best players we can,' and I totally get that by Eddie. He's got a challenge, he's going to have to fight off a number of clubs and whether they make a bid in excess of £100million, if that happens...
"One thing in the paper that Eddie quotes as well, because this says a lot, he said he's also very popular in the dressing room with the Newcastle lads.
Isak is regarded as one of the best strikers in the Premier League
4
Isak is regarded as one of the best strikers in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
Howe could be forced to bid farewell to his star man
4
Howe could be forced to bid farewell to his star manCredit: Getty
"He spoke about not only his goalscoring but he actually said he's very popular there as well, so he would be a huge loss."
Isak's ten Premier League goals have him sitting joint-fourth in the standings this season with Bryan Mbeumo and Chris Wood.
Only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer have netted more than the trio.
Isak has also reached a total of 46 goals in 85 appearances for Newcastle, with the forward now in his third season at St. James' Park.
A January move may prove difficult for interested clubs given it the transfer window comes halfway through the campaign.
However, Newcastle could find it even tougher to keep hold of Isak in the summer should he maintain his success in front of goal.
Isak put on a clinic against Ipswich
4
Isak put on a clinic against Ipswich