With just two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards a Champions League winner to replace Alexander Isak.
Latest on the Alexander Isak saga
It wasn't so long ago that Isak was the talk of the toon for all good reasons. The Swede was wheeling away in celebration, ironically pointing back at the Liverpool backline after he sent Newcastle on their way to victory in the Carabao Cup final. Now, a great striker has gone on strike and been at the heart of the saga of the summer.
With the Premier League campaign now underway and Isak nowhere to be seen in the Newcastle squad, just where this saga goes next is difficult to say. Whilst he is doing everything to leave the Magpies - even going as far as moving out of his house in Tyneside - Newcastle won't budge until their £150m price tag is matched, and they have a replacement.
Alexander-Isak-Carabao-Cup-trophy
Having his say on the matter in the build-up to the Aston Villa game, manager Eddie Howe told reporters: "We do [have to forget about Isak] - he's not here with us.
"We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he's not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability. I want him to play. I want him to train. I've had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private."
Meanwhile, the search for a replacement goes on. After missing out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, Newcastle have reportedly looked at the likes of Samu Aghehowa and are closing in on a deal to sign Yoane Wissa, but one more name is also threatening to steal the headlines.
Newcastle "interested" in Gonçalo Ramos
As reported by Sky Sports' Keith Downie, Newcastle are now "interested" in signing Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, in what would be a "big transfer", although the deal will not be an easy one to pull off.
The Portuguese forward did himself no harm in the shop window earlier this week when he emerged from the bench to equalise late on for PSG against Tottenham Hotspur in the Super Cup final.
The Champions League winner may not be first choice at PSG, but he would be the star man at St James' Park. After scoring 19 goals in all competitions last season in a squad role, Ramos is more than capable of becoming the main man elsewhere.
Even in a bit-part role too, Luis Enrique was full of praise for his forward last season. The PSG boss told reporters in May: “He’s a wonderful player, capable of very high performances.
"If he plays a minute, he plays it very well. If he’s not on the pitch, he still helps the team. And today, he came into the starting eleven and scored three goals. So he’s a player who always performs at his best, and I would call him a guarantee.”