Newcastle in talks to sign EPL striker as Isak to Liverpool saga continues

Newcastle star Alexander Isak has long been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool and a striker already netting goals in England could be drafted in as his replacement

Newcastle are in talks over a potential deal for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as they attempt to sign a replacement for Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward remains out of action for the Magpies after requesting to leave the club.

He has yet to train with his first-team colleagues, while he did not play in Newcastle’s Premier League season opener against Aston Villa. Liverpool remain interested but are yet to agree a deal with Newcastle.

While that situation rolls on, Eddie Howe’s side are looking for a possible replacement and have identified a current Premier League forward as an option. According to The Athletic, Wolves striker Strand Larsen is of interest to the North East side.

Talks are reportedly ongoing via intermediaries, with discussions yet to get underway between clubs. Strand Larsen would be keen on a potential move, but is not actively seeking to leave Wolves as it stands, with talks at an early stage.

Strand Larsen, 25, joined Wolves last summer on loan from Celta Vigo and after 14 goals across his debut campaign, they signed him permanently for a reported fee of €30million (£26m). He put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Molineux.

Away from Strand Larsen, Newcastle still remain interested in Brentford star Yoane Wissa but are so far refusing to match the Bees’ £60m asking price. Asked about any more transfer business, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “We are still active in the window and we’d love to add one or two players but it really is quality over quantity.

“We don’t want to just add and I don’t think we need to do too much more. We are strong and in certain areas we’ve got good depth and will be able and resilient enough to get through a long, tough season. The league is so hard and the challenges are so big in front of us.”

On Isak in particular, Howe has urged for an end to the saga one way or the other. He said: “We would like a resolution. I am talking about myself, I am sure the ownership, and the players. We need that clarity. You don’t need any distraction. But I am not in control of that. I think only one person really (Isak) can control that.”

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He added: “This season, any season, every season, is going to be hard enough. You don't need any kind of distraction to swerve your thoughts, to unbalance what we're doing.

“I hope it's resolved quickly, because it's news around us all the time. The players have managed to shut that out and perform. We have to continue to do that.”