Manchester United 'maybe' swoop for Alexander Isak as Newcastle United player-swap deal 'proposal' emerges

No matter where Newcastle fans turn at the moment, there is a pundit - someone, somewhere - speculating about Isak joining another Premier League club.

Arsenal talk is tiresome, although reality did seem to hit the Emirates last week when Isak scored the opener in the Magpies’ 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win.

In order for the Gunners, or any other club for that matter, to prize Isak away from St James’ Park, then they will have to pay an awful lot of money. Having scored 50 goals in just 89 appearances since arriving for a club record £63m from Real Sociedad in August 2022, the 25-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best strikers on the planet.

With his price tag, believed to be upwards of £150m, unattainable for most - if not all - clubs currently, Pallister has suggested Man United consider using Rashford in a potential player-swap deal.

Yep, I know what you’re thinking... But here’s what the former Red Devils and Middlesbrough defender said.

“Alexander Isak would immediately improve the Manchester United squad,” he told Betano. “They’re still looking for a player to get them goals, he looks the finished article and full of confidence. I’m not sure whether they will fork out £150 million which is what Newcastle want, but he’d be a great signing for any Premier League side.

“There’s noise out of Old Trafford that they’re looking at new strikers, Rasmus Hojlund has been at the club for a season and a half. Look, I love his attitude but it’s clear he’s learning on the job. The club needs goals right now – Joshua Zirkzee isn’t a striker for me, he’s more of a number ten.

“It’s a shame the club didn’t try and get the Harry Kane deal done when he was on the market. I’d say Isak will be out of the price range for the club, but maybe if something can be done using Marcus Rashford going the other way, I don’t know. The club just need a goalscorer.”

Not that we need to explain this but Howe has already gone on record to say he wouldn’t swap Isak for anyone in world football.

In a campaign where Isak has starred - already having 15 goals to his name - Rashford’s reputation has taken a hit. Indeed, the England international has been frozen out by new manager Ruben Amorim and looks set to leave on loan this month.

So yeah, nice idea Gary, but no.