Forget Joao Pedro, Newcastle United would delight Alexander Isak if they signed £35m star

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Newcastle United have visions of Joao Pedro playing alongside Alexander Isak at St James’ Park.

Joao Pedro is Newcastle’s top target, with Eddie Howe eager to add the 23-year-old to his squad and accompany Alexander Isak in attack.

However, Liverpool could stop that dream from becoming a reality. While Newcastle insist that Isak is not for sale, the Reds intend to test the Magpies’ resolve.

It has been reported that Liverpool could break the British transfer record to sign Isak, with Toon fans hopeful that the Swedish forward remains on Tyneside.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Newcastle United should prioritise Anthony Elanga signing

For that to happen, Newcastle need to offer Isak an exceptional contract. They need to make him their highest-paid player, with negotiations due to take place soon.

But there is something else that Howe could do to help convince Isak to stay.

Newcastle are interested in Anthony Elanga, and perhaps he is the player that the Toon recruitment team should prioritise. He has a relationship with Isak, with the duo playing together at international level for Sweden.

The chance to play together at club level has to be an appealing prospect, while Elanga is a player who is very highly rated within the corridors of power at St James’ Park.

He could be the answer to Newcastle’s winger problem, while he could also contribute towards keeping Liverpool away from Isak.

The only problem is the price tag. Newcastle value Elanga at £35million, but Nottingham Forest will want much more than that. Forest do not want to sell Elanga and could demand a fee of up to £60million.

What Elanga said about his ‘chemistry’ with Isak

Signing a winger will be challenging for Newcastle this summer after the season that Jacob Murphy had. The 30-year-old was outstanding, providing 14 assists across all competitions.

His relationship with Isak was pivotal, and it is something that Howe will be keen to replicate with whoever arrives at St James’ Park.

Fortunately, Elanga is another player who has a great relationship with Newcastle’s main centre-forward.

During an interview with Fotbollskanalen last year, Elanga admitted that he spoke to Isak about Newcastle’s interest in him before discussing their understanding of each other on the pitch.

“Isak talked to me about it, but I said the same to him as I say to you,” he said.

“I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens.

“We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together, but I have a contract with Nottingham.”

That chemistry could be a decisive factor, as Newcastle weigh up whether or not to formalise their interest in the 23-year-old.