Newcastle 'one step away' from completing striker transfer after Alexander Isak update

Newcastle United are closing in on Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen as their striker search appears to be nearing its end. The Magpies have until Monday to add to their squad, with all this going on against the backdrop of uncertainty over the future of Alexander Isak.

Isak still appears convinced he has played his final Newcastle game amid Liverpool interest, but work has been done to keep him on board. The latest effort has been seen by some as a last-ditch attempt, with co-owner Jamie Reuben joining a PIF delegation in visiting the Swedish striker at his home.

Newcastle are winless in two league games, despite a spirited second-half display against Liverpool on Monday. They battled back from 2-0 down with 10 men, and with Isak once again absent from the squad, before conceding a last-gasp winner from Rio Ngumoha.

Hugo Ekitike was also among the Liverpool scorers, having chosen the Reds above the Magpies earlier in the summer. Newcastle are hopeful of having more luck with Strand Larsen, though, and former Norway striker Jan Aage Fjortoft believes his compatriot will end up on Tyneside.

An initial £50million offer was knocked back by Wolves, with The Telegraph suggesting the Molineux club will attempt to stave off interest with a new and improved contract. According to Fjortoft, though, an improved bid is imminent and should be enough for Vitor Pereira's side to say yes.

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If Strand Larsen does move on, it would bring Wolves' summer takings above £150m. Matheus Cunha joined Manchester United at the start of the summer for £62.5million, while Rayan Ait-Nouri is at Manchester City and smaller sales - including exits for the likes of Goncalo Guedes and Tom King - have also gone through.

Cunha and Strand Larsen were responsible for 29 of Wolves' 54 league goals last term, with the latter completing a £23m summer move from Celta Vigo after his successful loan. The Norway frontman scored 14 goals in 35 appearances, equalling the best league return of his career.

Newcastle's hard-fought defeat on Monday came at an extra cost. Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar were all forced off with injuries, while Anthony Gordon will serve a ban after being shown a straight red card by referee Simon Hooper.

"I don't know with Joe and Sandro, it doesn't look good when a player comes off, especially because both looked in a little bit of pain, they'd be huge blow for us if they're not available," manager Eddie Howe told Match of the Day. "Anthony will be suspended and Fabian had concussion, so not good."

If Isak does end up leaving, Strand Larsen may well not be the only new forward to arrive. Yoane Wissa remains a target, though the Congolese forward was spotted back in Brentford training last week.

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