Newcastle United will have to pay ‘big money’ to sign Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Reale Arena in recent weeks and has been touted as a possible target for the Magpies ahead of next season.

What is the latest news involving Isak?

A recent report from the Daily Mail revealed that Isak ‘is on the club’s radar’ after they ended their lengthy pursuit of Stade Reims forward Hugo Ekitike.

However, it’s believed that a fee in excess of £40 million is likely to prove prohibitive for Newcastle given Financial Fair Play limitations. 

The Sweden international has racked up 43 senior career goals in just under 200 club appearances, with 10 of those strikes coming for Sociedad last season.

Isak was also previously described as a “special footballer” and labelled “Sweden's new Zlatan Ibrahimovic,” highlighting his top-class potential.

What has O’Rourke said about Isak?

O’Rourke believes Newcastle’s pursuit of Isak indicates where Eddie Howe’s charges ‘are right now’ as they look to join football’s elite following their Saudi-backed takeover.

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He told GiveMeSport: “He’s a good player for Sociedad, and for Sweden on the international stage as well. So, I think it would take big money to sign him this summer.

“So, it just shows where Newcastle are right now that they are looking at these top young players all across the world, and they do have the finances to try and compete with their rivals for their signatures.”

Who else could Newcastle sign?

Isak is valued at £76m by the CIES Football Observatory, so Newcastle will perhaps be assessing alternative targets as well in case the 6 foot 4 ace proves to be too expensive.

The Evening Standard have claimed that the North East outfit have seen a loan bid for Chelsea’s Armando Broja turned down, with the player only interest in a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle are also said to be keeping close tabs on Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton, although the England international is also likely to command a sizable fee.

Only time will tell who Howe opts for but adding an additional attacker to his forward line appears to be the next priority for the Newcastle boss.