Alexander Isak cemented his status as one of the Premier League's deadliest strikers last season, and that sparked a scramble for his signature. He's been a prominent part of the rumour mill for months now, but will anyone finally snare him?
With so many big clubs on the lookout for a centre-forward, Newcastle would have been braced for bids for their Swedish star from the transfer window's outset.
Isak has stayed put so far, but Newcastle may eventually have no choice in the matter, unless they make an immediate re-entry into some form of European competition, given the documented consequences of PSR breaches.
Here's a look at where he might end up next.
Chelsea
Arsenal had been favourites to land Isak for much of the summer, but it's London rivals Chelsea who now lead the betting at 4/1. Even with Chelsea smashing in six goals against Wolves on Sunday, Blues boss Enzo Maresca – who is never far away from the wrong end of the sack race market – needs options.
That is despite Nicolas Jackson – who netted Chelsea's opener at Molineux yesterday – bagging 17 goals last term. But realistically speaking, he was the only real option up front, with Christopher Nkunku being cursed by injuries.
The Blues haven't been afraid to spend big on transfers for young players, and it will probably require a bid of real significance to prise him away from Tyneside, with some rumours even naming an astonishing price of up to £100m for the Swede.
Arsenal
The Gunners are next in the betting at 5/1, and a swoop for Isak does seem logical as he would be a good fit for Mikel Arteta's side.
Arsenal came so close to winning the title last term, and the Swede could be the missing piece in the jigsaw. Arteta likes forwards who are flexible, and Isak has shown he can play out wide for Newcastle as well.
But it's the centre-forward slot where he will most likely play in the event of a move to the Emirates Stadium, with the likes of Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah failing to make that position their own last term.
Tottenham Hotspur
I'm surprised to see Spurs as short as 8/1 in this market, given that they can't offer Isak Champions League football. In any case, the Lilywhites are typically reluctant to spend the kind of money it would take to force Newcastle into a sale.
But Ange Postecoglou is another manager in the market for a deadly hitman after watching his side spurn plenty of chances last term.
Richarlison hasn't really convinced as a centre forward, although injuries haven't helped, and Son Heung-min has often been deployed up front rather than in his preferred position out wide.
Liverpool
Liverpool lacked a reliable centre-forward last term, with Darwin Nunez squandering many chances. A move for the Newcastle star is priced at 10/1 in places.
It's been a summer of change at Anfield in terms of backroom personnel rather than the playing roster, and new manager Arne Slot clearly wants to stamp his mark on the squad after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.
He's certainly done that so far, with 2-0 victories over Ipswich and Brentford to start the 2024/25 campaign, which have kept Liverpool in hot pursuit of main title frontrunners Arsenal and Man City.
A scorer in both of the aforementioned games, Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, and there would be funds available for an Isak swoop if the Reds do decide to cash in.
Any Spanish club
Isak moved to Newcastle from Real Sociedad two seasons ago and might fancy a return to Spain if one of the big boys makes a move for him.
Real Madrid are probably the only La Liga side who could afford him, given that Barcelona continue to have financial problems.
The Spanish champions have just signed Kylian Mbappe, but he's not an out-and-out centre forward so there's still space in their attack. The bookies think it's unlikely though, as reflected by the 16/1 price against Isak joining any Spanish club.
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
