Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of star striker Alexander Isak (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea have cooled their interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak after learning Newcastle United’s asking price.
The Blues are keen to strengthen their forward line this summer and recruit a goalscorer capable of complementing and competing with their existing options.
Both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson showed flashes of potential during their difficult first seasons at Stamford Bridge but Enzo Maresca is likely to want a polished No.9 to lead his line.
Reports earlier this week suggested Chelsea were prepared to break the Premier League transfer record to sign the Sweden international who scored 25 goals last term during a prolific campaign.
According to the Guardian, however, it would take far more than the £115million Chelsea paid Brighton last summer for Moises Caicedo to tempt Newcastle into a sale.
Newcastle were understood to be on the brink of breaching the Premier League’s PSR regulations but are now confident they will avoid having to sell Isak or another of their prize assets Bruno Guimaraes.
Eddie Howe had been hopeful that Isak could be persuaded to sign a new contract and although little progress has been made on that front, the player appears more than content to remain at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak scored 25 goals for Newcastle last season (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea have also shown interest in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran (Picture: Getty)
Indeed, the 24-year-old recently told Sweden’s Fotbollskanalen he was not seeking a new club. ‘I’ve just had the best season of my career.
‘I’m really happy at Newcastle. I love everything about it; the club, the fans and the city. My future is not something I will speculate on.
‘I have no thoughts on leaving. There has been no talk about it at the club and I have received no information that the club would have to sell me.’
Chelsea, meanwhile, were thought to be keen on signing Aston Villa’s John Duran, but have cooled their interest after making background checks on the Colombia international.
The Blues have also made an enquiry over Lille’s Canada international, Jonathan David, who would be available at a bargain price given he has just over one year remaining on his current contract.
Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier and Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Omorodion are also on their radar, while talks are underway with Barcelona over a move for their highly-rated teenager Marc Guiu.