How Newcastle United have responded to Chelsea’s Alexander Isak approach

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Newcastle United have indeed received an approach from Chelsea for Swedish forward Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United are set to be in for a busy summer transfer window but the future of two of their key players has been called into question after the Magpies failed to achieve European qualification.

Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park this summer with those at Newcastle understood to be worried that Manchester City, who are interested in the midfielder, could trigger his release clause.

As for Alexander Isak, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have previously expressed an interest in the former Real Sociedad forward but it is Chelsea who have made an approach to Newcastle.

Newcastle receive Isak enquiry from Chelsea

Sources have confirmed to HITC that Newcastle have received an approach from the Blues over the availability of the Swedish forward, who had an outstanding season on Tyneside as he netted 25 goals in all competitions.

The Geordie side, however, do not regard this as talks for the Swedish forward as the message from Newcastle to Chelsea was that Isak was not for sale this summer at any price.

Chelsea are understood to be keen on adding to their striking options and are closing in on the signing of Barcelona forward Marc Guiu for a fee in the region of £5 million but want a second striker signing.

Newcastle have little appetite to sell the Swedish striker this summer and HITC have previously reported they were confident of reaching an agreement with the 24-year-old over a new deal at St James’ Park.

Newcastle plan to make Isak club’s highest paid player

HITC understands that Newcastle plan on handing the forward a new contract which would make him the highest earning player at the club.

Isak is understood to not have a release clause in his deal at St James’ Park and the club are under no pressure from PSR (profit & sustainability rules) to sell either Guimaraes or the Swede this summer.

Chelsea, for their part, were told the same message that Arsenal received when they enquired over his availability, he is not for sale.

Those from Newcastle insist that a rumoured £120 million figure had not been quoted to those at Stamford Bridge as the talks never reached the stage of a price discussion.