Alexander Isak new contract, £37m man agrees deal – Newcastle's dream end to transfer window
As the January transfer window reaches its conclusion, Newcastle United may still have a few deals up their sleeve, with tying down their talismanic striker being priority No. 1
by Ben Crawford · The MirrorNewcastle United are sitting pretty in the Premier League - and they may have unfinished business in the transfer market too.
Eddie Howe's side, with no European football cluttering up their calendar, are a force to be reckoned with this campaign. Led by impervious star striker Alexander Isak, who has already tallied 17 league goals, the Magpies sit fourth in the table and have genuine hopes of securing Champions League football once again.
They also hold a 2-0 lead over Arsenal in their two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final, and a second leg at St. James's Park beckons. With the transfer window slowly winding down, Newcastle are reportedly still active, and some areas of their squad may need bolstering.
Mirror Football takes a look at what a dream end to the window looks like to Howe's side, including Isak signing improved terms and a new striker arriving to lessen the Swede's workload.
Isak extends
While Isak's goals and impeccable form have been pivotal to Newcastle's success, it has also meant that big names from around Europe and the Premier League continue to be sniffing around.
The Swedish ace has long been linked with a move to Arsenal, and even though his current deal expires in 2028, upping his wages and keeping him happy at St. James's Park has suddenly become the top priority.
It is estimated that Isak currently earns £120,000, and with just three and half years left on his deal, The Telegraph revealed that talks are set to begin this summer over an improved extension.
However, should the Magpies feel that their goalscoring machine needs to be tied down sooner and the Gunners or any other potential suitor express interest, they could opt to offer Isak his new deal in January and give fans a belated Christmas present.
Jonathan David deal
While Isak has been a revelation and is undoubtedly the first name on Newcastle's teamsheet, on the off chance he picks up an injury, the club's forward line lacks depth.
Callum Wilson has been sidelined for the majority of the season and turns 33 this year. Young striker William Osula has shown promise but is far from being a bonafide backup to Isak despite netting against Bromley in the FA Cup.
One name that has emerged as a potential recruit then is Lille's Canadian ace, Jonathan David. David has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Liverpool also keeping a close eye on him. Moreover, the 25-year-old's current contract expires in the summer.
Though Newcastle face stiff competition to secure his services, as ChronicleLive report that an unnamed club have had a £10million bid rejected, they could act now and secure themselves a bargain instead of perhaps hoping to land David on a free transfer in the summer.
Evan Ferguson loan
Another - though less likely - option that the Magpies could pursue to take some of the burden off of Isak up top or even look to partner him is Brighton's wantaway starlet Evan Ferguson.
The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international is reportedly set to leave the Seagulls before the window shuts, having found minutes hard to come by this campaign, and Premier League clubs are lining up.
Arsenal, West Ham, and even David Moyes' Everton have been linked to the striker. However, Newcastle could be another to nip in and land themselves a prolific marksman to aid Isak.
Ferguson has past been dubbed a "phenomenal talent" by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, and though any deal is likely to just be a loan move, he would provide invaluable cover through the middle as a crunch period approaches. Other areas of the squad, including at the back and out wide, could also be boosted, though no concrete names have emerged.
James McAtee recruited
Should Howe's side feel as though the midfield also needs a boost, a move for Manchester City youngster James McAtee could be on the cards before the window slams shut.
City have already welcomed new £59m signing Omar Marmoush to the Etihad this window, and with Oscar Bobb poised to return from injury, The Telegraph reports that McAtee has already become frustrated with a lack of game time, which is only set to become more scarce.
Miguel Almiron's departure leaves a gap in the squad that McAtee could fill, and a rival to the Magpies securing a deal, Bayer Leverkusen, are reportedly edging close to Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia as opposed to the young Englishman.
Estimated to cost somewhere in the region of £25m, potential departures Odysseas Vlachodimos and Lloyd Kelly could help free up funding. Yet, the Mail reports that Newcastle are interested in McAtee, and the 20-year-could could complete what would be a dreamy end to the January window should he arrive to bolster the club's midfield.
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