Newcastle United will look to bring in a new striker this summer if Alexander Isak departs before the start of the 2025/26 season.
Isak's future remains high on the agenda on Tyneside with Premier League champions Liverpool reportedly planning a move for the 26-year-old in the coming weeks.
The Swedish international enjoyed another superb season at St. James' Park in 2024/25 with 23 Premier League goals - and 27 across all competitions - but he is now considering an exit.
The former Real Sociedad attacker is missing from Newcastle's preseason tour of Asia after a request to be omitted as part of a desire to 'explore opportunities away from the club this summer'.
That has sent the rumour mill into overdrive but Newcastle will demand a Premier League transfer record of £150m to consider a sale.
Callum Wilson's free transfer exit means Eddie Howe is desperately short on options with William Osula and Isak his only two senior strikers available for 2025/26.
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If Isak leaves, Howe will be forced into the market, but the Magpies coach prefers to bring in a new forward without the pressure of 'replacing' his No.14.
Brentford star Yoane Wissa remains on Howe's radar and the DR Congo international is reportedly upset at the Bees unwillingness to sell him as per Sky Sports.
Yoane Wissa 'furious' over blocked Newcastle transfer
Wissa netted a career-high 19 Premier League goals last season as striker partner Bryan Mbeumo scored 20.
Changes at the Gtech Community Stadium have seen Thomas Frank move on to take charge at Tottenham and Mbeumo complete £65m move to Manchester United.
Brentford have rejected an offer of £25m from two fellow Premier League stars, as they value Wissa at double that figure, based on his ongoing form.
However, the striker is claiming the club are backtracking on an agreement made last summer to allow him to leave in the event of a UEFA Champions League team coming in for him, following Ivan Toney's move to the Saudi Pro League.
New Brentford boss Keith Andrews confirmed Wissa was allowed to leave their preseason camp in Portugal to return to London for discussions with his agent.
That stand-off is not expected to continue, as Andrews indicated he expects the 28-year-old back in full training at the start of August, with 12 months left to run on his contract.
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