Newcastle making progress with important agreement which would be a big blow to Arsenal and Chelsea

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Newcastle United are progressing in contract talks for one key star this summer amid links to other Premier League clubs.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United didn’t quite hit the heights at the club that they had done in the previous season when they finished in fourth place in the Premier League.

Last season, however, the club struggled massively with the injury crisis engulfing the team as they finished in seventh place.

This would have been enough for Conference League football for the Magpies next season but because Manchester United won the FA Cup against Manchester City, Newcastle will be without European football next season.

Newcastle closing in on key contract extension

Despite European football potentially being a problem this summer, HITC understands that Newcastle are making progress on talks over a new deal for Alexander Isak.

Newcastle are desperate not to lose their key talent this summer with Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon being their prized assets.

We have previously reported that there is some concern from those at St James’ Park that Guimaraes’ release clause of £100 million could be triggered this summer, amid interest from Pep Guardiola’s City.

Whilst Guimaraes has a release clause in his contract, and there is nothing Newcastle can do about that if it is triggered, Isak does not, but he is also due a new deal after his brilliant season last term.

Last season for Newcastle, the Swedish forward netted 21 Premier League goals for Newcastle. The Geordie side signed Isak from Real Sociedad for £60 million, as per the BBC.

Newcastle aim to get Isak deal done before start of the season

HITC have previously reported that Newcastle were ready to open talks with the former Sociedad forward over a new deal and it is our understanding that these talks are now progressing.

The aim from those at the club is to tie Isak down to a new long-term contract by the time the new Premier League season kicks off in August.

Isak is not currently amongst Newcastle’s top earners but we understand the new deal would see him become the top earner at St James’ Park.

Arsenal and Chelsea had both shown an interest in Isak this summer but Newcastle have made it clear that the 24-year-old was not available and the club would not even countenance an approach for the Swedish forward.

Both teams have already missed out on striker Benjamin Sesko, who has elected to stay at RB Leipzig, and Isak looks set to become another striker removed from their grasp.