Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak wants to explore a move away from the club, but could Real Madrid afford him?

A few weeks can make a huge difference in evaluating a club's season outlook, and the flurry of reports regarding star striker Alexander Isak have put a worrying cap on a troubling fortnight at Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle have a decision to make on Alexander Isak's future but reiterated his hope that he will stay at the club this season.

Then there are Isak’s wages. His exact demands are unknown but given his status as one of the world’s leading players a range of £250,000 to £300,000 a week is far from unreasonable. At that level, the hit to a club would be £15m-£18m annually.

Liverpool’s transfer radar has zoomed in on Alexander Isak following dramatic developments at Newcastle United. The Swedish striker, valued by many at around £130 million, has reportedly made his intentions clear to leave the Magpies, igniting speculation about a record-breaking offer from the Reds.

Arsenal are the other club that have been most readily linked with Isak given their desperate need for a new No.9. However, given the finances involved in a deal for the Newcastle man, the Gunners also turned to an alternative in his Sweden teammate Viktor Gyökeres.

Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United’s board “have a decision to make” when it comes to Alexander Isak’s future, but insists that whatever the outcome it must be in the best interests of the club.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says the settling of Alexander Isak's future at St James' Park "has to be right for Newcastle". The 25-year-old striker is considering his future at the club amid interest from Premier League champions Liverpool.

Liverpool’s admiration of Alexander Isak is set to become concrete with a formal offer expected imminently, according to multiple reports. Following the news that Luis Diaz is closing in on a £65.5m move to Bayern Munich, the Reds are ready to go big again.

Newcastle United have reportedly identified three potential replacements for Alexander Isak, including Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. The Swedish striker has been subject of significant interest this summer transfer window from Liverpool, who are said to be willing to spend a record fee.