Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted that talks have reached an impasse with Alexander Isak over a new contract.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Chelsea, Howe said that he wants to keep Isak but concerns over Profit and Sustainability rules mean they can’t meet the player’s demands:

“We, of course, love Alex and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us, but I don’t see a short-term issue with his contract.”

“At this moment in time, Alex just needs to focus on his football. Whether that is him saying, ‘I’m fine. I’ve got four years left on my contract, I’m happy at the club and I just want to play my best football’. That is the ideal world.”

“But, of course, nothing in football is straightforward, so I’m sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the club. Alex can only help his situation by playing well.”

Premier League rivals are circling the Newcastle forward

Isak’s contract does expire in 2028 so Howe is right to point out that there is no rush to extend the striker’s current deal, but there are plenty of teams keeping tabs on his situation.

Arsenal and Chelsea were credited with an interest in the Swedish international during the summer transfer window, although neither club made a formal bid. At the time, the Magpies made it clear that he wasn’t for sale at any price.

What are Isak’s contract demands?

It has been reported that the 25-year-old wants a salary that matches the club’s highest earner: Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian is believed to take home £160,000 a week.

There have also been reports that Isak’s representatives want a release clause inserted into the agreement, which is not something that Newcastle are prepared to accept.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here