Just how good is Alexander Isak? Can the Magpies compete on all fronts without him? Would paying the Swede upset the Newcastle project?

Man Utd still need a reliable No. 9 and there is none better than the potentially available Alexander Isak. Manchester United have improved the squad in key attacking positions so far this summer thanks to the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Then there are Isak’s wages. His exact demands are unknown but given his status as one of the world’s leading players a range of £250,000 to £300,000 a week is far from unreasonable. At that level, the hit to a club would be £15m-£18m annually.

Alexander Isak has expressed his desire to leave Newcastle United this summer. The Magpies maintain their stance that the highly rated striker is not for sale, but with the player actively pushing for an exit, a summer move has now become a possibility. Below we will discuss some of the potential destinations for the Sweden international

Isak is reported to have turned down the offer of a new contract at Newcastle and has not travelled with the pre-season squad after expressing an interest in leaving the club this summer. The Magpies insist his absence is due to a thigh injury.

These factors mean that Isak’s value — around £100m, by consensus — might be affordable to some clubs. But the transfer landscape and Newcastle’s resolve means that his price — possibly over £150m — is borderline unreachable. Whether Liverpool or anyone else could and would be prepared to go that high remains unclear.

However, with Isak actively pushing for an exit, a summer move has become a possibility. Liverpool expressed their interest in doing a deal in the region of £120 million for Isak. But with Newcastle adamant the player was not for sale,

Plus: Arsenal are aiming to move swiftly to secure Crystal Palaces Eberechi Eze; Man Utd have had a loan bid rejected for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez; West Hams Lucas Paqueta is set to be cleared of charges of spot-fixing;