ALEXANDER ISAK’S agent says the Newcastle striker “may be close to finalising the next step” following months of transfer speculation.
The much-loved Magpies star has garnered interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, as well as Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal this summer, leading him to miss the 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic.
Isak signed for Newcastle in 2022 for a club record fee of £63million
He has been training with Newcastle over the summer despite being linked with a move awayGetty
Newcastle want £120million for their star man, who bagged 27 goals in all competitions for Eddie Howe’s side last term.
Last week, Sun Sport exclusively reported the Magpies would not sell Isak, even if he wanted to talk to Liverpool about a British transfer record fee.
Now, his agent has revealed “all options” are being analysed this summer, and that an outcome may be finalised soon.
Gonzalo Gaitan told Saudi Arabian newspaper Arriyadiyah: “We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player.
“Without revealing any details regarding whether Isak will transfer or stay with Newcastle.”
Liverpool’s hopes of signing Isak were boosted after the Sweden international wasn’t offered a new deal by his current club.
The Premier League champions have hijacked Newcastle’s swoop to bring in Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt to partner him, too.
Should Isak move to Anfield, his transfer fee would surpass the British transfer record, currently held by Florian Wirtz who signed for the Reds for £116million this summer.
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Saudi outfit Al Hilal, meanwhile, are interested in Isak in their search for a star striker.
According to L’Equipe, the club have already started talks with the Swede’s entourage who have agreed to listen to their proposition.
Last week, Magpies boss Howe revealed he sent Isak home before their defeat to Celtic amid the speculation surrounding his striker.
However, he said he remains “confident” the Swede will stay at the club.
Isak has been a hit since signing from Real Sociedad
He said: “I chose to send him home.
“The last thing Alex wants if he is not playing is to be sat in the stand and under that scrutiny, then if he wasn’t going to play today, we mutually agreed he shouldn’t be here.
“It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us, but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. Both [Joelinton and Isak] are fit but not ready to play. Alex has trained and is fine but we didn’t want to take the risk with him.”
Howe added: “I think it’s difficult for me to ever give 100 per cent clarity on any player, I’d never do that.
“All I can say is Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team.
“I’ve never had any issue with him and I’m confident he’s going to be here at the start of the season.”
Isak has three years remaining on his current deal at St James’ Park.
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