EDDIE HOWE admits Alexander Isak’s contractual position at Newcastle United is “not a clear-cut situation”.

The Magpies resolved one of their key contractual issues this week when Anthony Gordon signed a new long-term deal that removed any lingering uncertainty over his future.

Isak is another player who has been regularly linked with a potential switch away from St James’ Park, with Arsenal rumoured to be lining up a move for the Swedish striker when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

There was an initial discussion with Isak and his representatives over a possible new deal towards the end of last season, but those talks have not been resurrected so far this season.

Isak is contracted to Newcastle until 2028, and is already one of the club’s highest earners, having signed a lucrative deal when he moved from Real Sociedad for £63m in the summer of 2022. As a result, and with PSR requirements still severely constraining Newcastle’s financial wriggle room, there is no immediate intention to kickstart new talks.

“It’s (Isak’s contract position) a slightly more complex situation (than Gordon’s),” admitted Howe, who was speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea. “Regarding the contracts, I’m not necessarily involved in those discussions day-to-day, I will hear bits and pieces.

“I think with Alex, he’s got a long contract anyway at the football club, and we have to be really careful with regard to our spending due to PSR. I think it’s not a clear-cut situation.

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“We of course love him, and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads and loads of goals for us. But I don’t see a short-term issue with his contract.”

Nevertheless, a failure to tie Isak down to a new deal would leave the Magpies vulnerable to potential future moves for their star striker.

Isak is understood to be settled and happy on Tyneside, but the 25-year-old is also known to be fiercely ambitious and is unlikely to be content with a long spell at Newcastle if the club are regularly failing to qualify for the Champions League.

A move away from the North-East in January is regarded as exceptionally unlikely, however Newcastle could have to do some difficult negotiating next summer if they end the current campaign outside the top four.

“It’s different to someone like Joey (Joelinton, who also signed a new long-term deal in Apruil) because of the contract length,” explained Howe. “Alex has four years (still to go), and of course the club will make decisions based on these things. And, of course, lots of other aspects go into it.

“I think, for Alex, at this moment in time, he just needs to focus on his football. As I’ve said, everyone connected with the club absolutely loves him and wants him to be at his absolute best, and wants him to stay.”