EDDIE HOWE insists Newcastle United have no intention of selling star striker Alexander Isak this summer despite Arsenal heading a growing list of clubs that are queuing up to register an interest in the Swede.

Isak has been one of the unquestionable success stories of the Magpies’ season, with Saturday’s penalty brace against West Ham taking him to 18 goals for the campaign in all competitions.

Only six players have scored more Premier League goals than Isak this term, a remarkable statistic given how many injury issues the 24-year-old has had to battle with at various stages of the season.

Unsurprisingly, Isak’s form has not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal having become the latest club to be strongly linked with a potential summer move in the last few days. Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a proven ‘number nine’ when the transfer window reopens, and Isak is understood to feature prominently on Arsenal’s attacking hitlist.

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There is also likely to be summer interest from the continent, but while both Howe and Darren Eales have admitted Newcastle could have to sell a big-name player this summer in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, the Magpies head coach is adamant there is not even a thought of allowing Isak to leave.

“I thought he (Isak) was excellent (against West Ham),” said Howe, whose side return to action with a home game against Everton tomorrow. “He didn't score in open play, but his two penalties were outstanding and his general play was very good.

“His link play, his athleticism, he looked in a really good place. He's an outstanding talent and no one connected with Newcastle would want to lose him.”