Newcastle United are believed to be in the mix to sign an "incredible" player this summer, as they look to hijack Everton's move for him.
Howe provides new Isak update
The Magpies are preparing to host Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night, with St James' Park likely to be at its atmospheric best amid the Alexander Isak saga.
Eddie Howe has confirmed that the Swede will play no part in proceedings against the club who want to sign him this summer, also reacting to his statement about being let down by Newcastle earlier this week.
"It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must: the club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment, the club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United.
Alexander-Isak-1
"It will do that in every situation. He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.
Away from the Isak situation, Newcastle are still working hard on possible new signings at both ends of the pitch, and they are reportedly battling others for the signing of a Premier League player.
Newcastle eyeing move for Man City defender Nathan Ake
According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are potentially looking to hijack Everton's move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake this summer. While Everton are already in talks and the Magpies are only "monitoring" the Dutchman, he is represented by the same agency as several Newcastle stars, including Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes, so there could be a smooth path to personal negotiations.
Manchester City's Nathan Ake
Manchester City's Nathan Ake
Ake could be a brilliant addition for Newcastle, bringing a wealth of experience of him, not least six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. The 30-year-old is capable of thriving at both centre-back and left-back, which Howe has shown he appreciates with his use of Dan Burn, and Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly about him during last season.
"Nathan made an incredible effort. Thank you so much for the effort he has done. He needs a little more but for the circumstances we have, he made an effort. I said when you feel fatigue, let us know."
Nathan Ake's key trophy wins Club Year
Champions League Manchester City 2023
Premier League Manchester City 2024
Premier League Manchester City 2023
Premier League Manchester City 2022
Premier League Manchester City 2021
Premier League Chelsea 2017
Premier League Chelsea 2015
Europa League Chelsea 2013
FA Cup Manchester City 2023
EFL Cup Manchester City 2021
EFL Cup Chelsea 2015
Club World Cup Manchester City 2023
Super Cup Manchester City 2023
In some ways, it seems strange why City are willing to sell a player who still has so much to offer, but if Guardiola no longer sees him as an important part of his plans, Newcastle should pounce.
Hopefully, the lure of a move to St James', including playing in the Champions League, ultimately appeals more to Ake than joining Everton, even though the Blues are starting a new era at their impressive Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.
The £160,000-a-week Ake is a class act who has proven himself at the highest level, and at 30, there is no reason why he couldn't enjoy three or four good years at Newcastle.