Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe is concerned about losing star striker Alexander Isak in the upcoming transfer windows.
That's according to pundit Tony Cascarino, who doesn't buy the confident facade the Magpies manager is trying to put up.
Isaac has been a standout talent for some time, but his value will increase after he scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal She has been heavily linked with Isak recently, so much so that it is understood that Newcastle were already looking at potential replacements – e.g Sporting Lisbon Victor Guerques.
But when asked about the Sweden international's future after Saturday's win at Portman Road, a defiant Howe insisted Isak remains part of Newcastle's “long-term plans”.
“We definitely want to keep Alex at the football club,” Howe said.
“There's no part of me, or anyone at Newcastle, that wants to let Alex go. He's a big part of our long-term plans. Personally, I don't see that being a problem.
“I don't necessarily think at this point we should (incentivize him to stay).
“He is motivated and wants to do well. He has big aspirations in his career. He is still relatively young and still has a bright future ahead of him.
“I know his desire to score goals is unparalleled. Every conversation I've had around Newcastle regarding my future with them has been very positive.
“I would like him and the other players to be the guy who contributes to us winning the title. That's the goal.”
Eddie Howe nervous about Alexander Isak's performances?
Cascarino is not convinced by Howe, who he believes is showing signs of nervousness over his attempt to pry his prolific striker away from the clutches of the top clubs.
“It's pretty clear Eddie Howe is nervous,” Cascarino said. talkSPORT.
“You know, we can't do too much, it's important that we keep the best players, and I completely understand that from Eddie. He's facing a challenge, he's going to have to fight a number of clubs and whether they're going to make a bid in excess of £100m, if that happens. ..
“One thing in the newspaper that Eddie quotes as well, because that says a lot, is that he is also very popular in the dressing room with the Newcastle players.
He added: “He talked not only about scoring goals, but he actually said that he is very popular there as well, so it will be a big loss.”