'Congratulations' - Alexander Isak update as Newcastle United react to bumper new contract agreement

Before Howe spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against former club AFC Bournemouth, Manchester City announced that Erling Haaland had penned a new deal until the summer of 2034.

“That’s a long one! Congratulations to him on that!” Howe replied.

Meanwhile, the Magpies’ own Scandinavian striker is under contract until 2028. There is, however, constant speculation surrounding his future.

Isak, like Haaland, ranks among the best centre-forwards in Europe, if not the world. Since joining for a club-record £63million from Real Sociedad in August 2022, the Swede has scored 52 times in just 90 appearances.

Against Bournemouth on Saturday, Isak is hoping to score in a ninth consecutive Premier League game as he closes in on Jamie Vardy’s record of 11.

“Everything situation is different and I think from our viewpoint we could not regard Alex highly enough, his contribution this season has been immense - especially recently,” Howe continued.

“I don’t want to change that rhythm that he is in and I think it is about, very similar for the team and for Alex, not going into the games thinking too deeply, just going into the games in a good frame of mind and enjoying your football and try and carry on the form that he is in.

“Everything else off the pitch will fall naturally fall into place from what he does on it. I’m sure there are lots of positive things in the future for him but at the moment I just want him to concentrate on scoring.”