Latest news with #Toon
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Alexander Isak MISSING from Newcastle squad to face Celtic amid £120million Liverpool transfer speculation
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALEXANDER ISAK'S future remains under scrutiny after he was left out of Newcastle's squad to take on Celtic at Parkhead this afternoon. The Magpies knocked back an approach from Liverpool this week for the Swedish striker. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Alexander Isak is not in Newcastle's squad for the pre-season friendly vs Celtic Credit: Getty 3 Isak has been the subject of intense transfer speculation from Liverpool Credit: Getty Toon's Saudi owners are backing boss Eddie Howe in his fight to keep the 25-year-old and refusing to sell. That's despite SunSport learning that the Swedish star is interested to see what was on offer at Anfield in a potential £120million move. Isak is said to be disappointed by the Toon's botched contract offer. Now they face further speculation over his future after he sat out today's first official pre-season friendly against the Scottish champions. READ MORE SPORT STORIES END OF THE WORLD Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool STRIPPED of status as world champions Brazilian star Joelinton, 28, was another notable absentee and Newcastle sources claim that the pair's absence is due to their minutes being managed. However, that won't stop fears from the Toon Army that last season's 27-goal top scorer could potentially be looking to leave St James' Park. And they now face an anxious wait to see whether he joins the rest of the squad on the plane to Singapore on Thursday as they head to Asia to continue their preparations for the upcoming campaign. The Carabao Cup winners issued a firm hands-off warning to Liverpool and insisted Isak was not for sale at any price this week. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS That resulted in Arne Slot's side hijacking Newcastle's swoop to bring in Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt to partner him. The Bundesliga club rejected a £70m bid from Newcastle on Tuesday but Liverpool are now in talks and believe a fee closer to £80m will help them land the French ace, who has already agreed a six-year contract deal. Where Liverpool's Ekitike talks leave Isak and Newcastle | Transfers Exposed And Newcastle are also looking elsewhere with a £30m swoop for Brentford's Yoane Wissa being mooted. But keeping Isak, who still remains the top target for the Kopites, is still their main priority. We revealed back in March how Toon chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan was demanding that the Magpies keep hold of his 'favourite player' after the hotshot fired them to Wembley glory. We can reveal that he is doubling down on that stance and standing right behind boss Howe by refusing to cash in for what would be a British record fee. Toon chiefs feel that Liverpool's public pursuit was a ploy to unsettle their prized asset and we revealed how he would be keen on a switch to Merseyside. But keeping Isak, a club-record £63m signing from Real Sociedad in 2022, and tying him down to a new-and-improved lengthy package was Howe's top aim and there are still hopes that can be achieved. Isak's camp were left disappointed 12 months ago when a promise of a pay rise from his current £130,000-a-week made by the Magpies' former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi failed to happen. That was down to one of the first decisions from the now ex-sporting director Paul Mitchell to put those negotiations on ice as he felt the ace was already handsomely paid and felt secure as he was tied to the club until 2028. Despite Mitchell's departure and talks still planned by Newcastle, there has still been no progress and it remains unclear whether Isak is willing to commit his long-term future to the club. Though SunSport knows Newcastle are willing to smash their £150,000-a-week pay ceiling and make him the best-paid player in their history with a £200k-plus package. Isak was in Austria with the rest of Newcastle's squad at a pre-season training camp this week after not featuring in last weekend's 4-0 behind-closed-doors friendly victory over Carlisle. 3 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Newcastle's Saudi owners REFUSING to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool even if striker is tempted by transfer
Toon are ready to smash their pay ceiling and make Swede highest-paid player in their history BLOCK 'N WHITE ARMY Newcastle's Saudi owners REFUSING to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool even if striker is tempted by transfer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEWCASTLE'S Saudi owners will refuse to sell Alexander Isak - even if he wants to talk to Liverpool. The Magpies insist the £120million Sweden hitman is not for sale at any price after an approach from the Premier League champions for last season's 27-goal top scorer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Newcastle are refusing to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool Credit: Reuters 7 Arne Slot's side made an approach for the Swede this week Credit: Getty 7 Toon chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is backing Eddie Howe in his fight to keep Isak Credit: Reuters Isak's camp are still upset over the lack of a new deal to keep him at St James' Park which has given Liverpool hope they can lure him away. Amid the stand-off, Arne Slot's Reds have hijacked Newcastle's swoop to bring in Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt to partner him. The Bundesliga club rejected a £70m bid from Newcastle on Tuesday but Liverpool are now in talks and believe a fee closer to £80m will help them land the French ace, who has already agreed a six-year contract deal. Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is backing boss Eddie Howe by refusing to cash in for a British record fee. Isak's camp were left disappointed 12 months ago when a promise of a pay rise from his current £130,000-a-week made by the Magpies' former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi failed to happen. Former sporting director Paul Mitchell put those negotiations on ice as he felt the ace was already handsomely paid in his deal until 2028. Despite Mitchell's departure, there has still been no progress and it remains unclear whether Isak is willing to commit his long-term future to the club. Newcastle are willing to smash their pay ceiling and make him the best-paid player in their history with a package worth over £200,000 a week. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Isak is currently in Austria with the rest of Newcastle's squad at a pre-season training camp. It remains to be seen if he plays in their friendly against Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday. Where Liverpool's Ekitike talks leave Isak and Newcastle | Transfers Exposed 7 7 Liverpool are now closing in on a move for Toon target Hugo Ekitike Credit: Getty 7 Newcastle are ready to battle Spurs for Brentford's Yoane Wissa instead Credit: Getty Meanwhile, Howe is ready to battle it out with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, 28. The Bees want around £40m for the Congo striker, who only has a year left on his contract, and have already rejected a £25m offer from Nottingham Forest. Sun Sport understands that a fee of around £30m could be enough for Toon to land the Brentford ace, who scored 19 goals last term. 7 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Newcastle's Saudi owners REFUSING to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool even if striker is tempted by transfer
NEWCASTLE'S Saudi owners will refuse to sell Alexander Isak - even if he wants to talk to Liverpool. The 7 Newcastle are refusing to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool Credit: Reuters 7 Arne Slot's side made an approach for the Swede this week Credit: Getty 7 Toon chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is backing Eddie Howe in his fight to keep Isak Credit: Reuters Isak's camp are still upset over the lack of a new deal to keep him at St James' Park which has given Amid the stand-off, Arne Slot's Reds have The Bundesliga club rejected a £70m bid from Newcastle on Tuesday but Liverpool are now in talks and believe a fee closer to £80m will help them land the French ace, who has already agreed a six-year contract deal. Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is backing boss Eddie Howe by refusing to cash in for a British record fee. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Isak's camp were left disappointed 12 months ago when a promise of a pay rise from his current £130,000-a-week made by the Magpies' former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi failed to happen. Former sporting director Paul Mitchell put those negotiations on ice as he felt the ace was already handsomely paid in his deal until 2028. Despite Mitchell's departure, there has still been no progress and it remains unclear whether Isak is willing to commit his long-term future to the club. Newcastle are willing to smash their pay ceiling and make him the best-paid player in their history with a package worth over £200,000 a week. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Isak is currently in Austria with the rest of Newcastle's squad at a pre-season training camp. It remains to be seen if he plays in their friendly against Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday. Where Liverpool's Ekitike talks leave Isak and Newcastle | Transfers Exposed 7 7 Liverpool are now closing in on a move for Toon target Hugo Ekitike Credit: Getty 7 Newcastle are ready to battle Spurs for Brentford's Yoane Wissa instead Credit: Getty Meanwhile, Howe is ready to battle it out with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, 28. The Bees want around £40m for the Congo striker, who only has a year left on his contract, and have already rejected a £25m offer from Nottingham Forest. Sun Sport understands that a fee of around £30m could be enough for Toon to land the Brentford ace, who scored 19 goals last term. 7 TYNE TO GO? ALEXANDER ISAK is at the centre of a tug-of-war between Newcastle and Liverpool. But what is the best option for the striker? SunSport makes a case for both sides - whether he should lead the Toon into the Champions League or become Britain's most-expensive player and join Arne Slot's Reds. Read our
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Always going to be noise' – Anthony Elanga responds to Alexander Isak transfer talk as he outlines Newcastle ambitions
ANTHONY ELANGA has even taken to singing to try and convince 'the world's best striker' Alexander Isak to stay at Newcastle. And Toon's new £55m Swedish winger believes he can provide the ammunition for his compatriot to become 4 Anthony Elanga arrived at Newcastle in a £55m deal from Nottingham Forest Credit: Getty 4 His fellow Swede is wanted by Liverpool but Toon are determined to keep him Credit: Getty Although he claims his choice was due to it being special to him and his girlfriend, it could easily have been interpreted as a message to 'big brother' Asked directly if he was confident Isak would stay, Elanga said: 'There's always going to be noise around him but, at the end of the day, he's a Newcastle United player right now. For me, I'm just trying to focus on what he's doing in training and speaking to him every day. 'Alex, for me, is the best striker in the world and someone that, not just footballer wise, but also off the pitch, is an amazing person and someone I can always rely on to go for advice. READ MORE FOOTBALL 'He's always going to be there and try to help me and is like my big brother in a sense. I appreciate him a lot.' Isak and his representatives were left disappointed last summer when promised talks over a new deal failed to materialise. Boss Eddie Howe is adamant last season's 27-goal top scorer is going nowhere and the club hope to convince him to stay by smashing the £200,000-a-week threshold to make him their best-paid player. On whether he'd had any clues from his friend that he would extend his deal past its current 2028 expiry date, Elanga said: 'Whenever I speak to Alex it's always about good things – how my family is, how his family is and that's the first thing (he asked me). Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'I always try to focus on the present and the now and Alex being the person he is, he's the type of player who is always staying focused. 'What he's shown in training is second to none and I'm looking forward to continuing training with him.' Where Liverpool's Ekitike talks leave Isak and Newcastle | Transfers Exposed He continued: 'Having him here is amazing and of course played a part [in me signing] but also Sandro [Tonali], Bruno [Guimaraes], Joelinton, Anthony Gordon - who I also knew really well. What they did last year was amazing, getting into the Champions League and winning a trophy after 70 years, that can't be forgotten about. That played a huge part in me coming here. They have that winning mentality. 'I want to form partnerships with everyone, even outside the pitch, different people. On the pitch, communicating, that rapport and that team spirit is vital. For me it is about learning from everyone.' Hotshot Isak already enjoys God-like status on Tyneside after firing them to Carabao Cup glory. And if he does stay long-term, then Elanga believes there is nothing to stop him from scoring another 145 goals and beating Shearer's record haul of 206. 4 The Toon new boy says Isak is the best striker on the planet Credit: PA 4 Elanga could make his Magpies debut at Celtic on Saturday Credit: Getty He added: 'Anything is possible when you put your mind to it. That mentality Alex has is second to none. I just know how good he is.' Elanga, who scored six and grabbed 11 assists for Forest in the top-flight last season, also claims he's nowhere near fulfilled his full potential yet. And the ex-Manchester United speedster added that he believes both himself and his new team-mates in Black and White can find another level and enjoy further success. He added: 'I want to bring goals and assists to the team and, being here, they're really going to improve my overall game. People haven't seen the best of me yet. There's so much more from me to come and I really want to show that. 'This will be an amazing season, not just for the team, but for me as well and everyone around the city. It's going to be a really good season and hopefully we can really showcase what we can do. 'We're really on the right track. I can really sense that feeling of we really want to grab something and win something this year.' Curse of Frankfurt means Ekitike is a huge risk at £86.5million AT £86.5million, Hugo Ekitike would be a sizeable gamble for Liverpool, writes Joe Bryant. That's because Premier League clubs should be wary of the Frankfurt curse. The Germans have a knack of selling strikers at a massive profit, only for them to struggle at their next club. Luka Jovic (£52m), Sebastien Haller (£42m), Randall Kolo Muani (£77m) and Andre Silva (£20m) definitely fall into the category of transfers where you wished you had kept the receipt. Omar Marmoush does seem to have broken the hoodoo at Manchester City, although it is still early days at the Etihad. And Liverpool will need Ekitike to hit the ground running if they want to defend their Prem crown.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Always going to be noise' – Anthony Elanga responds to Alexander Isak transfer talk as he outlines Newcastle ambitions
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANTHONY ELANGA has even taken to singing to try and convince 'the world's best striker' Alexander Isak to stay at Newcastle. And Toon's new £55m Swedish winger believes he can provide the ammunition for his compatriot to become the Magpies' all-time greatest marksman. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Anthony Elanga arrived at Newcastle in a £55m deal from Nottingham Forest Credit: Getty 4 His fellow Swede is wanted by Liverpool but Toon are determined to keep him Credit: Getty Elanga, 23, has arrived from Nottingham Forest and performed Ben E King's classic Stand By Me as his chosen initiation song in their Austrian pre-season camp this week. Although he claims his choice was due to it being special to him and his girlfriend, it could easily have been interpreted as a message to 'big brother' Isak after Liverpool had an approach for the £150m-rated superstar knocked back. Asked directly if he was confident Isak would stay, Elanga said: 'There's always going to be noise around him but, at the end of the day, he's a Newcastle United player right now. For me, I'm just trying to focus on what he's doing in training and speaking to him every day. 'Alex, for me, is the best striker in the world and someone that, not just footballer wise, but also off the pitch, is an amazing person and someone I can always rely on to go for advice. 'He's always going to be there and try to help me and is like my big brother in a sense. I appreciate him a lot.' Isak and his representatives were left disappointed last summer when promised talks over a new deal failed to materialise. Boss Eddie Howe is adamant last season's 27-goal top scorer is going nowhere and the club hope to convince him to stay by smashing the £200,000-a-week threshold to make him their best-paid player. On whether he'd had any clues from his friend that he would extend his deal past its current 2028 expiry date, Elanga said: 'Whenever I speak to Alex it's always about good things – how my family is, how his family is and that's the first thing (he asked me). BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'I always try to focus on the present and the now and Alex being the person he is, he's the type of player who is always staying focused. 'What he's shown in training is second to none and I'm looking forward to continuing training with him.' Where Liverpool's Ekitike talks leave Isak and Newcastle | Transfers Exposed He continued: 'Having him here is amazing and of course played a part [in me signing] but also Sandro [Tonali], Bruno [Guimaraes], Joelinton, Anthony Gordon - who I also knew really well. What they did last year was amazing, getting into the Champions League and winning a trophy after 70 years, that can't be forgotten about. That played a huge part in me coming here. They have that winning mentality. 'I want to form partnerships with everyone, even outside the pitch, different people. On the pitch, communicating, that rapport and that team spirit is vital. For me it is about learning from everyone.' Hotshot Isak already enjoys God-like status on Tyneside after firing them to Carabao Cup glory. And if he does stay long-term, then Elanga believes there is nothing to stop him from scoring another 145 goals and beating Shearer's record haul of 206. 4 The Toon new boy says Isak is the best striker on the planet Credit: PA 4 Elanga could make his Magpies debut at Celtic on Saturday Credit: Getty He added: 'Anything is possible when you put your mind to it. That mentality Alex has is second to none. I just know how good he is.' Elanga, who scored six and grabbed 11 assists for Forest in the top-flight last season, also claims he's nowhere near fulfilled his full potential yet. And the ex-Manchester United speedster added that he believes both himself and his new team-mates in Black and White can find another level and enjoy further success. He added: 'I want to bring goals and assists to the team and, being here, they're really going to improve my overall game. People haven't seen the best of me yet. There's so much more from me to come and I really want to show that. 'This will be an amazing season, not just for the team, but for me as well and everyone around the city. It's going to be a really good season and hopefully we can really showcase what we can do. 'We're really on the right track. I can really sense that feeling of we really want to grab something and win something this year.'
