Newcastle United transfer rumours: Conflicting Alexander Isak reports & Moussa Diaby preference

Your Newcastle United transfer round-up for Friday, July 15.

Liverpool and Arsenal have joined the race to sign Alexander Isak, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes. Recent reports claimed Newcastle have shortlisted the Swedish international as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his frontline.

Isak had a below-par season at Real Sociedad last year, bagging six goals in 32 La Liga outings. The piece suggests Jurgen Klopp is chasing the 22-year-old, which seems unlikely following the arrival of Darwin Nunez.

Contrasting reports in the UK claim Newcastle are put off by Sociedad’s hefty £50million demands. They are aware of the Magpies’ astronomical wealth and have slapped an inflated price tag to their asset.

Aston Villa have told Newcastle to cough up £20million for Carney Chukwuemeka, talkSPORT claim. Similar to Isak, Arsenal are also rumoured to be chasing the 18-year-old.

Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have also been named as potential suitors for the midfielder, who made 11 Premier League appearances last season.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard has omitted Chukwuemeka from their pre-season tour amid speculation over his future. He said: “Carney’s yet to sign a contract offer that’s been in place for some time now, so I’ve decided that the best thing for him would be to continue his training programme back at Bodymoor.”

Insider Dean Jones reports that Leeds will rebuff any attempt from Newcastle to sign Jack Harrison. The Whites have already lost one winger, Raphinha, to Barcelona and will resist the temptation to sell another.

Speaking to the Ranks FC podcast, Jones suggests Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby is Toon chief’s first-choice option.

“They like Jack Harrison at Leeds,” he said. “But Raphinha, that situation has