Eddie Howe has been dealing with a lot of tough questions about the club's top talent recently, but he remains confident that they won't be losing any key players anytime soon.

The contract situation with Bruno Guimaraes was a long-drawn-out affair before it was finally resolved earlier this season, with the Newcastle United boss playing a crucial role in convincing the midfielder to sign a new and improved deal. Now, the focus is on Alexander Isak, the club's record signing, and ensuring he stays put despite interest from other clubs.

Fortunately for the Magpies, it looks as if Isak will follow in Guimaraes' footsteps by agreeing to a new contract at Newcastle. Keeping a player of the Swede's quality is incredibly important.

Making sure he stays beyond this summer could be as big a coup as any potential new signings when the transfer window opens again. Isak's current contract runs until 2028, but there have been unconfirmed reports suggesting he could face a significant pay cut this summer if Newcastle don't qualify for the Champions League.

However, the new deal being negotiated should see Isak become one of the highest earners at the club and could be finalised before the end of the season, reports Chronicle Live. The admiration for Newcastle's star forward has understandably increased due to his recent performances in the black and white jersey.

The interest from Arsenal and Tottenham is well-known, and it's hard to believe that clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid aren't keeping tabs on Isak's contract situation. However, unlike in the past when Newcastle would have struggled to fend off these European giants, they are now capable of presenting their players with enticing offers.

Retaining talents like Bruno and Isak in the north east sends a strong signal to potential summer recruits; the Magpies are laying the foundations for a promising future, even if qualifying for the Europa League might be their limit this season.

Importantly, Howe has received further backing. A manager and the board working in perfect harmony. No undermining, no disagreements. A unified structure, all moving towards the same goal. On the field, Newcastle get to retain one of the world's top forwards. As Howe stated after Saturday's 5-1 victory over Sheffield United; there isn't a player in football worth trading for Isak.

Erling Haaland may be a goal-scoring phenomenon, Ollie Watkins may have enhanced his overall game and Son Heung-min may have consistently performed at this level for years - but Isak's potential simply seems greater than all the aforementioned options.

With an impressive tally of 29 goals in 48 games, the striker who made the switch from Real Sociedad to Newcastle after scoring just six La Liga goals in his final Spanish season has certainly made his mark. His double on Saturday, which contributed to Sheffield United's relegation, also marked his seventh consecutive game scoring at St James' Park.

"I think he's world class. I'm not sitting around analysing all the other strikers in the world, but the biggest thing is, I wouldn't swap him for anyone," said Howe over the weekend. "When you look at his age profile and what is to come, his attributes and his qualities, he is superb.

"It’s a shame for me and probably for Alex that there are these questions about his future. I understand why the questions are asked and the better he does, the more goals he scores. that will be a thing [that is asked] but we should just enjoy his performances and the way he is playing now."

Newcastle have frequently benefited from Isak's brilliance since his high-profile transfer. Given this, it's difficult to argue that a contract extension would be 'like a new signing' for the club. However, it does provide a significant boost ahead of a crucial summer - and following a particularly challenging season.

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