Alexander Isak is determined to consider the pros and cons of committing his long-term future to Newcastle United before penning a new deal.
The Magpies have been looking to reward the Sweden international with an improved agreement after making a telling impact on Tyneside.
Newcastle have set their sights on including a release clause in a potential contract as they aim to protect Isak’s value.
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is resisting the temptation to sign a new contract which would result in him becoming one of the highest earners at St James’ Park due to being keen to consider the pros and cons of remaining on Tyneside, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Magpies strengthened their attacking options with the addition of William Osula, who has joined from Sheffield United in a deal worth an initial £10million, head coach Eddie Howe has been desperate to keep key men among his options heading into the new Premier League campaign.
Paul Mitchell was installed as Newcastle’s sporting director last month, with the hierarchy desperate to fill the void left by the departure of Dan Ashworth to Manchester United, and he has been tasked with leading the recruitment drive alongside internal negotiations over fresh terms
Isak has stalled on signing a new contract despite Newcastle being determined to convince him to put pen-to-paper, according to GMS sources, and he will continue assessing whether he wants to commit his long-term future to his current employers despite the opportunity to secure a significant pay rise.
The striker still has four years remaining on his £120,000-per-week agreement at St James’ Park, but Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and summer recruit Lloyd Kelly are currently on more lucrative terms, and the Magpies have been keen to reward him for his impressive performances since joining.
GMS sources have been informed that Newcastle want to include a release clause in the potential new deal, with them desperate to protect his value ahead of big-spending admirers coming knocking for his signature, but they have not been able to persuade him to sign on the dotted line.
The Magpies insisted that Chelsea would have to pay more than £150million if they wanted to land the Sweden international when they showed interest during the early stages of the summer transfer window, while they are also desperate to avoid losing Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon ahead of potentially being the subject of offers.
Tying Isak down to a fresh contract would result in Newcastle having more power as they aim to keep him on their books for the foreseeable future, but they have been forced to remain patient after GMS sources recently revealed that he was initially expected to reach an agreement before returning for pre-season.
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