Newcastle United will be doing all they can to keep hold of Alexander Isak this summer, with a new update outlining the efforts they are going to, in order to retain his services.
Isak stars for Newcastle in Wembley win
Magpies supporters will still be buzzing after their EFL Cup final victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, on one of the most memorable days in the club's history, as they ended their long 70-year wait for domestic glory.
Unsurprisingly, Isak played a huge part in the 2-1 win at Wembley, burying a finish to put Newcastle 2-0 up, having only recently seen another effort ruled out for offside. He was a menace all afternoon, and as was the case at St James' Park in the Premier League back in December, the Reds struggled to contain him.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring their second goal
It has been a sensational season for the 25-year-old, who has stood out as arguably the best striker in the world, even above someone like Erling Haaland. He has scored 23 goals in total, leading the line superbly and standing out as one of the Magpies' biggest attacking heroes in years.
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There is plenty of concern from Newcastle fans about losing their most prized asset in the summer transfer window, however, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal seeing him as the perfect addition to their respective attacks.
Newcastle pulling out all the stops to keep Isak
According to a new report from The Boot Room, PIF are "ready to break their wage structure" to keep hold of Newcastle star Isak at the end of the season and make him their highest earner in club history, as they look to fend off interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.
The Magpies are "going to have to go way above" Bruno Guimaraes' current £160,000-a-week wages if they want to tie down the Swede, who currently earns £120,000 per week. The update goes on to state that the striker "will wait to see where Eddie Howe’s side finish in the Premier League before deciding whether to commit to the club", and if they finish in the top four, could offer Isak more than £200,000 per week.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak
Keeping hold of Isak is more important than any signing that arrives at St James' this summer, with the Sweden international an irreplaceable figure.
He is still a relatively young player, so there is no reason why he can't be at his best for another six or seven years for the Magpies, while Alan Shearer is a huge admirer, saying of him last year:
"He is just a constant threat all the time. His finishing is excellent and his penalty taking is as good as they come. He is confident and cool and believes in everything he is doing. We know that once he gets away over the top, he is going to cause you an absolute nightmare. His ability to link up and his understanding [is brilliant]."
This should act as a massive incentive for Eddie Howe, in terms of securing Champions League football and making Isak believe Newcastle can go on to bigger and better things. To lose him at this point would be so hard to take, but the appeal of Liverpool and Arsenal is obvious if the Magpies miss out on Europe's biggest competition.