Arsenal target Alexander Isak held talks with Newcastle’s Saudi chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan on Saturday.
The £120million top target for Mikel Arteta was the only Newcastle star collared by PIF moneyman Al Rumayyan after the draw with Brighton. Isak, and members of his family, were approached by Al Rumayyan who talked to him at length on the St James’ Park pitch.
The Sweden international’s goals have earned him talks over a new contract, because he could double his money at a top three club in the Champions League.
Al Rumayyan, who pulls the financial strings at Newcastle, runs their Saudi state investment fund, and if boss of LIV golf, was in too to get a review of the season and hear plans for the summer and next year.
Isak had a poor game against Brighton after suffering illness on Friday. Howe was pleased that the club owners, including 5.6 per cent stakeholder Amanda Staveley, were on the pitch with the players and their wives and kids after the game.
He said: “The big thing is you want the club to be one team and we have had that since we are here… owners, players, staff.
“It is really healthy that they come on the pitch at the end. Everyone showing their appreciation for each other and especially us to the supporters.”
Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi has ordered Brighton to show “personality” and seal a top half finish.
The Italian admits his Albion side is not functioning at their best during his tenure, and has set an end of season target.
De Zerbi said: “We would like to finish in the top ten. That’s not a big result, but we played in Europe, had injuries so finishing top ten will be a great, great result and better than last season.
“It is not the best moment of my time but we have to fight with personality and I’m pleased with that.
Scorer Joel Veltman said: “My average is one a season so I have it! We practiced that corner on Friday. The draw was fair. We played well defensively. Isak was not in the game, so compliments to our defence.
“It is a big point at Newcastle and we want six more.”
Arsenal target Alexander Isak held talks with Newcastle’s Saudi chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan on Saturday.
The £120million top target for Mikel Arteta was the only Newcastle star collared by PIF moneyman Al Rumayyan after the draw with Brighton. Isak, and members of his family, were approached by Al Rumayyan who talked to him at length on the St James’ Park pitch.
The Sweden international’s goals have earned him talks over a new contract, because he could double his money at a top three club in the Champions League.
Al Rumayyan, who pulls the financial strings at Newcastle, runs their Saudi state investment fund, and if boss of LIV golf, was in too to get a review of the season and hear plans for the summer and next year.
Isak had a poor game against Brighton after suffering illness on Friday. Howe was pleased that the club owners, including 5.6 per cent stakeholder Amanda Staveley, were on the pitch with the players and their wives and kids after the game.
He said: “The big thing is you want the club to be one team and we have had that since we are here… owners, players, staff.
“It is really healthy that they come on the pitch at the end. Everyone showing their appreciation for each other and especially us to the supporters.”
Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi has ordered Brighton to show “personality” and seal a top half finish.
The Italian admits his Albion side is not functioning at their best during his tenure, and has set an end of season target.
De Zerbi said: “We would like to finish in the top ten. That’s not a big result, but we played in Europe, had injuries so finishing top ten will be a great, great result and better than last season.
“It is not the best moment of my time but we have to fight with personality and I’m pleased with that.
Scorer Joel Veltman said: “My average is one a season so I have it! We practiced that corner on Friday. The draw was fair. We played well defensively. Isak was not in the game, so compliments to our defence.
“It is a big point at Newcastle and we want six more.”