'They're going to have to': Journalist says what Newcastle United must now do to keep hold of Alexander Isak

As things stand right now, we have no worries about Alexander Isak wanting to leave Newcastle United. Granted, it helps that the transfer window is shut, but that's by the by.

Newcastle have one of the most coveted players in Europe on their books right now. There isn't a club out there that wouldn't benefit from having Alexander Isak, and that's created a constant stream of speculation about where the Swedish star will go next - because, you know, he couldn't possibly stay at treble-chasing Newcastle United, could he? (Yes, we know we're not really likely to be going for the treble, calm down).

We've written ad nauseam about how Arsenal have somehow laid claim to Isak as if he's rightfully their property, but even beyond that, there's been relentless talk of who he is likely to join ... he's not for sale!

Newcastle aren't daft, though, and they know that they will have to do something to keep Isak at the club. It doesn't matter how much he's enjoying it here, money talks.

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Graeme Bailey believes Alexander Isak should become Newcastle's first £200k-a-week player

Contract talks with the 25-year-old were shelved earlier this season as money was tight and the club felt secure given the length of his existing deal. The Magpies had just forked out to secure big deals for Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon and thanks to our good friend, PSR, we just didn't have the headroom to increase the wages of someone who was already one of the club's highest earners.

Now, though, journalist Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that the club are ready to re-open talks with Isak over a new deal, likely buoyed by the £30 million income from moving on Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron in January.

“It’s just common sense from Newcastle’s point of view.

“They would like to get something done before the end of the season. It makes sense. They’re open to doing it before knowing where they will finish in the league. Whether or not Isak is up for doing this, let’s see. Time will tell.

“Do I see Newcastle paying £200,000-a-week? Possibly. They are going to have to. Newcastle will have to pay that to someone at some point. It is the way that football is going. Is Isak the one to break that barrier for them? I think it should be. They should do whatever it takes to keep him.”

What Newcastle ultimately do this season will go a long way to determining Isak's future

Clearly, it's just Bailey's assessment of the situation from the outside rather than any concrete news, but you'd be hard-pressed to argue against what he says.

As we said at the start, Isak may be happy here now and focused on achieving the club's goals, but in the summer, one big offer could be enough for that to go out the window.

Winning a cup this season and/or qualifying for the Champions League should be enough to keep him here for another season, but just in case, throwing more money at him won't hurt.