Newcastle United have halted contract negotiations with Alexander Isak after the striker turned down a recent contract offer from the Magpies, according to Caught Offside.
According to the site, sources close to the matter stated that the 25-year-old has not responded positively to the club’s newest proposition, causing Newcastle to reconsider their strategy with their best player while carefully attempting to keep him on the team for longer than his current contract allows.
According to the source, talks between the two sides are scheduled to restart later this year, but the delay coincides with increased interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, both of which see Isak as a top target for the summer transfer window.
Isak has 23 goals and five assists in all competitions this season, playing a key role in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup success and European qualification, while NUFC continues to concentrate on moving up the Premier League table before the season ends. Despite the club’s insistence that Isak is on a long-term contract and not for sale, his refusal to accept the revised offer has cast doubt on his future in Tyneside.
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal sees Isak as a priority signing ahead of next season, while Liverpool’s scenario with Mohamed Salah’s contract ending may also lead them into the market, potentially attempting to recruit Isak from their Carabao Cup opponents.
On a more positive note, the source indicates that Newcastle are studying Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres as a potential successor if Isak departs, with a portion of that reward instantly invested in the Portuguese league goal score.
