Newcastle could follow up confirmed Isak deal with bid for £60m-rated star, on one condition

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs suspects Newcastle United could come back in with a late offer for James Maddison if Chelsea fail in their attempts to sign Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.

The Magpies have had a fairly quiet window so far this summer with Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett their only confirmed arrivals until today.

With Newcastle announcing on Friday afternoon that they have completed a £60m deal for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak.

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A club statement said: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce the signing of Alexander Isak for an undisclosed fee. The 6’4” striker arrives from Real Sociedad and has signed a long-term deal at St. James’ Park.”

On completion of the deal for Isak, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “I’m very excited that Alexander has chosen to join us. He is an outstanding talent who is capable of making a big contribution to the team.

“He is technically very good, with a mix of attributes that will complement us, but he is also at a great age to grow with this club.

“I want to thank the club’s owners and transfer committee for bringing Alexander to Newcastle. We are all delighted to have him on board.”

Sweden international Isak is looking forward to getting started, he said: “I’m delighted to have it done. It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with.

“It is a great, historical club that I think anyone would like to play for, with amazing fans. They were a big part of why I came here – and also the club’s project, which is one that I really believe in.

“You always want to go into a team and know how they play. Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that.”

But CBS Sports‘ Jacobs wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle followed up their transfer of Isak with another bid for Maddison if Chelsea fail to land Fofana from Leicester.

Speaking on the latest episode of NUFC Matters, Jacobs said: “Newcastle have learned very quickly that Leicester not only won’t sell Fofana and Maddison, but they’d like to offer Maddison a new contract.

“So, I suppose late in the window, you might come back with an offer if you’re Newcastle. I’m not saying they will. But it’s a tactic, isn’t it, if Fofana’s still there and Newcastle feel there’s opportunism and they haven’t got another target, then you might just come back and say take it or leave it, and Newcastle have been very good, again, at being tactical with their offers and sticking to their guns.”