Newcastle are odds-on at the bookmakers to keep Alexander Isak beyond the summer transfer window.
The Swedish international has been the subject of intense speculation following an outstanding season which has seen him score 23 goals in all competitions.
Gambling.com have reported odds of 8/11 for Isak to remain at St James’ Park despite interest from Premier League rivals.
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Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be the two clubs keenest on securing the signature of the 25-year-old.
Out of the two, Liverpool are deemed to be the likelier destination, with odds of 7/4, while the Gunners are thought to be rank outsiders at 14/1.
Transfers to Barcelona (16/1), Manchester City (20/1), Paris Saint-Germain (25/1), Real Madrid (25/1), Chelsea (25/1) and Manchester United are not regarded as realistic.
Isak’s asking price should scare off most suitors
It is believed that Newcastle will demand a fee as high as £150m for their striker. That would smash the British transfer record, which is currently held by Moises Caicedo (£115m).
While some teams may be tempted to pay £100m or even £120m for Isak, it would be a shock if a bid was tabled close to the Magpies’ valuation.
The figure is clearly designed to ward off interest with Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyanreportedly “adamant” that his club keep hold of the forward.
The player has never said that he wants to leave Newcastle
The fact that Isak is not agitating for a move also helps the club’s cause. When asked about his future, he is made it clear that he is happy in the North East.
His contract situation gives the Magpies another layer of protection. While negotiations over an extension have stalled, he still has over three years remaining on his current deal. At the moment, everything points towards Isak staying.
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