Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.
Newcastle United know the hard work isn't finished after winning the Carabao Cup last weekend and will continue to put in the graft during their warm weather training camp in Dubai.
Eddie Howe has given his players some time to relax out in the Middle East, while those on international duty are preparing to represent their country.
Despite there still being ten games to go in Newcastle's Premier League campaign, talk has already turned to the summer transfer window ahead of a return to European football.
ChronicleLive has taken a look at the latest news and transfer gossip doing the rounds at the moment.
Newcastle have competition for £50m-rated defender
The Athletic's David Ornstein has given an update regarding Newcastle summer transfer target Dean Huijsen, who has a reported £50m release clause in his current Bournemouth contract.
The Magpies are understood to be in the market for a central defender this summer, with the young Spaniard high on their transfer wishlist and Ornstein has given an update on the 19-year-old's future.
"For any top teams seeking a centre-back, Huijsen will likely be on the radar," he said when asked about Liverpool's interest in the player. "He is expected to move for that 50m clause, which is active in the summer, and I'm sure Bournemouth, the player and his suitors would ideally like some clarity sooner rather than later so they can plan accordingly.
"We know Chelsea have been looking closely at him, Newcastle have been heavily linked but not sure I see that one materialising and even massive clubs on the continent like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are being mentioned in certain quarters. Some I speak to think he could well move overseas but nothing seems to be set in stone yet.
"Richard Hughes and members of Liverpool's recruitment team will know him particularly well given their links to Bournemouth, but I'm not sure if they're pursuing him (I'll need to make more checks) and you imagine there would need to be some outward movement in the Anfield centre-back department to create space for such a player. Also, is that position their top priority right now? Let's see. I'm sure we'll come back to the Huijsen topic in the weeks ahead!"
Alexander Isak transfer truth emerges
Luke Edwards of the Telegraph claims senior Newcastle sources do not believe anyone will be able to afford Alexander Isak this summer, despite reported interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona.
The Swedish striker is one of the best on the planet at the time of writing and Edwards expects plenty speculation regarding the Isak's future at St. James' Park this summer. Yasir Al-Rumayyan has reaffirmed Newcastle's not for sale stance, but the report claims bids in the £80-90million mark will be leaked into the public domain, some way off the Magpies' asking price.
It adds that Newcastle are still set to hold contract talks with Isak this summer, though the striker was relaxed about his future in the build-up to the final with three years left on his deal.
ChronicleLive says: "Extending Alexander Isak's contract at St. James' Park would be almost as good as any new signing. The Swedish striker has shown this season he's world class and will be integral in a return to European football next season. If he doesn't sign new terms, the Magpies are still in a strong position, though the summer of 2026 would look a lot more interesting."
Newcastle United Carabao Cup WINNERS 2024/25
At last, Newcastle have their hands on silverware!
After an agonising 56-year wait, the Magpies' amazing army of fans can celebrate watching their side lift a trophy after their Carabao Cup final win. And to celebrate, the Newcastle Chronicle have produced this souvenir special, marking the Wembley triumph.
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It is packed full of reaction, analysis and quotes as well as amazing pictures from the day, and a centre-spread poster.
It is the perfect souvenir of an historic day for Newcastle.
Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents in the North East from March 20, 2025.