Newcastle must prepare for life without Alexander Isak, whether pr not a sale for the Swede is completed this summer. 

Not only because of how long it seems to take us to complete seemingly any transfer, a point exemplified by missing out on longstanding interest James Trafford to Manchester City, but because we must have a clear plan before losing the admittedly irreplaceable Isak if it is to be this summer.

We have already missed the opportunity to sign Hugo Ekitike, who we have been keen on for years but has now completed a transfer to Liverpool from Frankfurt after initially opting for PSG over us.

Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoanne Wissa have both emerged as strong links, and another name has joined them in contention today.

Wolves star linked

According to Wolves-centric newspaper Express and Star, Newcastle are interested in bringing Jorgen Strand Larsen to St James’ Park.

The Midlands-based outlet claims that we are exploring a deal that may see Wolves part with a second forward this summer, having already seen Matheus Cunha exit, but a deal will prove difficult from the outset. 

Liam Keen reports in his article that not only has there been no contact between clubs so far, Wolves also have no interest in selling the Norwegian, who is happy at Wolves. We’ve seen this week just how quickly that can change, though.

Good player – but not Isak’s replacement?

As with Wissa, it feels a deal for a player of Strand Larsen’s standing may be on the cards regardless of whether Isak dons a black-and-white shirt next season with Callum Wilson needing to be replaced.

Strand Larsen netted 14 Premier League goals last season and is an adept service No. 9, but surely he is more in line to be the squad addition than the main man leading Eddie Howe’s front line – with someone like Sesko the big target.

The Isak situation puts us in a position of weakness with regards to negotiating with sellers, especially other Premier League clubs, knowing they can hold us to ransom from a position of desperation.