An "impeccable" attacking player is now "keen" on sealing a move to Newcastle United this summer as their search for reinforcements up front continues.
Howe shares latest on Isak's Newcastle future
The future of Alexander Isak at St James' Park continues to rumble on, with nothing significant changing in the past week or so and the Swede still training away from his teammates.
Eddie Howe has now responded to claims that Isak told him he wanted to leave Newcastle back in May, downplaying it and saying other things were on his mind at that point.
"Trust me, when that final whistle went, that (Isak leaving) was the furthest thing from my mind. It was just a feeling of relief really because we were hunting that prize all season. We were in and around it after a really good run in December. I was not thinking of any individual in that moment, so I can’t really give an answer on that."
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It remains to be seen what will happen with Isak in the coming weeks, but it is a needless distraction for Howe, who will know the importance of signing at least one top-quality striker if the 25-year-old does move on.
PSG star "keen" on Newcastle move
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claimed that Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos is "keen" on joining Newcastle before the summer window slams shut.
"He is keen to make that move to Newcastle. It’s always a dilemma in football, the better the team you’ve got at your disposal, the less likely it is for somebody to break into that team. He’s always on the outside looking in from the bench while the team is getting success.
"So from his point of view, the opportunity to go and play in the Premier League and Champions League with Newcastle will be inviting for him. Newcastle have been looking at a number of options across Europe. They’re probably further down that list than they would have hoped to be, but that’s what the scouts are paid for, they’ll know all about him.
"They’ve been watching him for PSG and they’ll know what he can and can’t do, where he would fit into the team and whether he suits their style. So if it all adds up and they see him as an option, maybe they’ll make a move. A lot will depend on Isak though, whether he moves on, but I think either way they want to get a striker in and he might be the one."
PSG forward Goncalo Ramos
PSG forward Goncalo Ramos
Ramos would be an excellent signing for Newcastle this summer, considering he has proven himself at the highest level, scoring a hat-trick for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.
Despite holding a €120m (£104m) release clause, the attacker is struggling to be a regular starter for European champions PSG, so the chance of being a key man at St James' certainly looks appealing.
Ramos has been hailed as "impeccable" by PSG coach Luis Enrique, while a tally of nine goals in 16 caps for Portugal highlights his international pedigree.