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Newcastle is set to return with a fresh approach for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen as they look to secure a long-awaited attacking reinforcement this summer.
The Magpies’ initial bid of around $68 million was turned down by Molineux yesterday. Despite the rejection, talks between the clubs were said to be constructive with senior Newcastle officials remaining optimistic that an agreement can be reached in the coming days.
The Premier League side is prepared to slightly increase its offer, potentially including additional add-ons, with the hope that a total package of around $81 million will be enough for Wolves to sanction the Norwegian striker’s move.
Newcastle sources indicate that a deal for Strand Larsen now looks far more achievable than an agreement over Yoane Wissa, The Northern Echo reports. Brentford has remained firm on its asking price for the 28-year-old, who has reportedly refused to train in an effort to force a move to St James’ Park.
Strand Larsen, however, has continued to train professionally and featured for Wolves in their recent defeat at Bournemouth. He is reportedly keen on the move to Tyneside and the opportunity to play Champions League football.
Wolves’ stance on the striker may depend on their own transfer plans, with ongoing talks with Getafe over a potential $23 million deal for Nigerian forward Christantus Uche — a breakthrough there could trigger a domino effect for Strand Larsen.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Strand Larsen is not connected to Alexander Isak’s situation. Instead, the Norwegian is viewed as a direct replacement and upgrade for Callum Wilson, who departed in the summer.
The Magpies’ urgent need for a striker was highlighted in the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, when makeshift forward Anthony Gordon was sent off, earning a three-match ban.
Newcastle hope to have the Isak situation fully resolved by the end of the week. However, with the Sweden international having trained away from the first-team squad for over a month, he is unlikely to feature against Leeds regardless of developments in the coming days.
Newcastle chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan is determined to settle Isak’s future at St James’ Park one way or another. Efforts to persuade the striker to stay reportedly took place at his residence on Monday, but Isak remains steadfast in his desire to leave the club.
During his post-match press conference, Eddie Howe stressed his focus on players “committed” to Newcastle, just hours after Isak met with the club chairman and director Jamie Reuben, according to Chronicle Live.
At full-time, Al-Rumayyan made his way from the stands to the pitch, accompanied by a PIF delegation to show their support for Howe and the squad.
A financial gesture is expected soon, with the club intent on ensuring Newcastle is properly equipped with the right players for the first half of the season.
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