Alexander Isak
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak (Image: Getty Images)
Champions League football should end any speculation over Alexander Isak's Newcastle United future, according to former England striker Teddy Sheringham. The Swede has had to put up with regular transfer links over the past year, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona among the many sides keen on his signature.
United are not interested in their selling their star striker, and Isak has always insisted he is happy on Tyneside. However, players of his ability naturally want to compete at the very highest level, which is one of the reasons why qualifying for next season's Champions League carries such importance for Newcastle.
They can seal that by beating Everton at St James' Park this Sunday and Sheringham, who scored Manchester United's equaliser in their dramatic 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, says there is no reason why Isak would want to leave the club this summer - especially if they secure their place among Europe's elite.
"I think, you know, he's absolutely lauded as a centre forward in Newcastle, so why would he want to go," Sheringham told Prime Casino. "He might not want to change. It doesn't get much better than fans loving you, and your team playing to the best aspects of your game, and you are the focal point. You're earning good money and you're in the team.
"You're playing at the top level and players understand you and your manager loves you. So, you know, you, I'd be very surprised if he would want to go anywhere else at the moment.
"Newcastle look nailed on for Champions League football next season. They’re a club moving in the right direction, won their first trophy in 70-odd years this season. I think all of their top players will want to stay, and I think it would take ridiculous money to get one of Isak, Anthony Gordon or Bruno Guimares out of the club now. They don’t have to sell them with the carrot of Champions League football."
Howe is sweating on the future of Isak for Sunday's game, with the striker hoping to shake off the groin issue which kept him out of last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.