Revealed: Newcastle now told what they will need to pay to finalise Strand Larsen deal

Newcastle United’s summer transfer business continues to revolve around one key question: who will lead the line if Alexander Isak leaves?

The Magpies have been linked with several forwards as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his attacking options, and Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has now become one of the names in the frame.

However, sources close to the situation insist that if Newcastle want him, they will have to pay well above the odds.

Strand Larsen only joined Wolves on a permanent basis earlier this summer after a successful loan spell from Celta Vigo.

The Midlands club paid £25 million in July to secure his services, and he has already established himself as an important figure in their attack. For that reason, Wolves are in no hurry to sell.

Reports suggest they will not even consider letting him go unless an offer in the region of £60 million is placed on the table, more than double the fee they originally paid.

The Norwegian forward is believed to be open to a switch to Newcastle, knowing the size of the project and the chance to play European football could accelerate his career.

At 25, he still has his best years ahead of him and is eager to test himself at a higher level. But Newcastle have yet to make any formal approach, and insiders believe Strand Larsen is not at the very top of their shortlist. While he remains an option, there are other targets the Magpies are prioritising.

The situation has been complicated by Alexander Isak’s determination to push through a move to Liverpool. Newcastle’s number one striker wants a transfer, and his absence would leave a gaping hole that Howe must fill quickly.

Yoane Wissa of Brentford is currently seen as a more natural replacement for Isak than Strand Larsen, and the Bees could be persuaded to sell for around £50 million. Unlike Wolves, Brentford are more open to parting with their forward if the price is right, which makes that route more attractive to Newcastle.

Wolves, on the other hand, are digging their heels in. Having already sold Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri this summer, they do not want to lose another key player.

Strand Larsen is central to their plans, and they see him as vital to maintaining their Premier League status. That firm stance means Newcastle would need to blow them away with a massive offer to even open talks. At present, there is no indication that Howe or the Newcastle hierarchy are willing to go that far.

Strand Larsen’s position on Newcastle’s radar is clear. He is admired for his strength, aerial ability, and work rate, but he sits some way down the pecking order when compared with other options.

The price Wolves are quoting is enough to make the Magpies cautious, especially with multiple signings needed if Isak leaves. Howe is not simply looking for one striker, but at least two additions, to ensure depth and competition up front for the long season ahead.

The future of Isak remains the biggest factor in all of this. Newcastle have set a staggering valuation of £150 million for the Swedish forward, a figure they are standing firm on despite criticism from pundits.

Former Premier League star Matt Le Tissier recently commented that Isak is not worth that amount, but Newcastle remain determined not to let him leave on the cheap.

His insistence on joining Liverpool has only added to the drama, and the final week of the window promises to be turbulent.

If Isak is eventually sold, Newcastle’s options will open up. They will have the funds and the urgency to move quickly for replacements.

Strand Larsen could then come back into serious consideration, but only if Wolves soften their stance. Until then, Wissa and other strikers remain ahead of him on Howe’s list.

For now, Newcastle’s striker search is a balancing act. They must prepare for life without Isak, but they also cannot afford to overspend on targets who are not perfect fits.

Strand Larsen’s qualities are appreciated, yet the cost attached makes him a complicated solution. With just days left in the window, Newcastle must act decisively, knowing the outcome of the Isak saga could reshape their entire attacking strategy.