The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a busy one for Newcastle United after winning the Carabao Cup and securing a return to European football.
Eddie Howe and his side will be hoping they can improve on a Conference League spot, by finishing in the top-five in what should hopefully guarantee a Champions League spot next season.
Should they fail, a Europa League spot would also be an improvement on their current standing, albeit the Conference League could present an opportunity to win some silverware on the continent next season - especially if this year's edition is anything to go by.
Qualifying for the Champions League would be a major boost in unlocking some of Newcastle's spending power in the upcoming summer transfer window, though the club is already understood to be in a much better position in terms of PSR than this time last season.
Alexander Isak's form between now and the end of the season with be integral in securing a Champions League berth, with the Toon in possession of one of the most sought after strikers in world football. Newcastle's stance is clear - he is not for sale.
Speculation around Isak's future has grated on Magpies' supporters all season, who know fine well how important he is to their success. The Toon plan on holding contract talks with the Swedish international during the summer in an attempt to extend his stay at St. James' Park, but it's transfer business done by other clubs which will give the biggest hint yet.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in Newcastle's top goal scorer and all three clubs are on course for Champions League football.
All three clubs are expected to bolster their forward lines this summer, but have also been linked with various other targets as well as Isak.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike - who has shone at Eintracht Frankfurt this season and is expected to leave the Bundesliga club in the summer. The former PSG man would be available for a cheaper fee than Isak's asking price and is 22-years-old.
If Mikel Arteta's side do opt to sign Ekitike, it would end their pursuit of the Swedish striker. On the topic of Swedish strikers, Spanish reports claim Barcelona have accepted they wouldn't be able to afford Isak, with Viktor Gyokeres a potential alternative after starring for Sporting this season.
That leaves Liverpool, who in truth, seemed unlikely to be in the mix for Isak despite admiring the forward - who doesn't? You'd be crazy not to acknowledge him as one of the best strikers in the world.
Harry Kane was linked with a sensational return to the Premier League last month, with a move to the Reds touted as possible destination. If he were to return to the top flight, that would mean all three 'interested parties' have move on from the Newcastle striker.
