Newcastle United have been given a boost in their pursuit of mooted transfer target Alexander Isak...

What's the word?

Recently, the Telegraph claimed that the Real Sociedad frontman was top of manager Eddie Howe's wishlist as he looks to bolster his frontline at St James' Park.

But it's believed it would take a club record to lure him away from Spain, with the Sweden international holding a £70m release clause in his current contract.

90min also suggested that Isak was not for sale, though it appears the situation has now changed.

"Alexander Isak has been told he can leave, but only at the right price," transfer insider Dean Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT this week.

"He is very open-minded about the situation, but I’m told he does have his eye on the Premier League. Obviously, there is the Newcastle link, but we could yet see others make a play for him."

Time to strike

With the northeast outfit receiving a green light to make their move, it's time for sporting director Dan Ashworth to urge PIF to splash the cash on the Sociedad talisman as soon as possible.

There are less than three weeks until the start of the new Premier League season and Howe is left with two options and both have question marks. Chris Wood, signed in January, has only scored twice since his £25m move from Burnley, whilst Callum Wilson has regularly struggled with injuries.

Isak has been a prolific sensation for club and country - he has bagged nine goals in 37 caps for Sweden.

The 6 foot 4 marksman has earned plenty of praise as a result of his obvious quality and goalscoring ability, and he doesn't just offer goals.

Once dubbed an "exceptional talent" by BBC presenter and former Premier League striker Gary Lineker, Isak ranks within the top 5% of his positional peers across Europe for dribbles completed, managing 1.87 per 90.

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, now also a pundit, is also a big fan of the Swede.

"This kid, Isak, he was a problem today for the defenders in the Spain team," he claimed during BBC's coverage of Sweden vs Spain (via football.london). "He was a nuisance. He showed today why he's got Young Player of the Year in La Liga."

On the above evidence, Isak could well be the answer to Newcastle's attacking woes and now that the door has opened, PIF would be foolish to not strike.

AND in other news, Contact made: NUFC keen on deal for "unbelievable" £40m gem, just imagine him & ASM...