HERE WE GO! Man United’s board bows to fans pressure agree £122m fee to sign Europe most in-form striker, player’s unveiling already scheduled

Ruben Amorim has been urged to use a Manchester United player in a deal to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Old Trafford legend Gary Pallister insists Amorim would benefit from the addition of a proven goalscorer, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee flattering to deceive.

£72m signing Hojlund, 21, is clearly talented but has just two league goals this season, while Zirkzee’s form has been such that he has been linked with a move away from Manchester United just six months after moving to the Premier League.
Amorim is believed to be interested in signing his former Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, though any move for the Sweden goalscoring machine is expected to come in the summer.

Another player who has been tentatively linked with Manchester United is in-form Newcastle star Isak, who has scored 10 goals in his last nine appearances for the Magpies.

Newcastle value Isak at more than £100m so a deal will be hard to agree, especially during the January transfer window.
Pallister says Isak would ‘immediately improve’ Manchester United, however, and has raised the possibility of Marcus Rashford being used as part of a proposal given to Newcastle.
Rashford is being linked with several domestic and foreign clubs after admitting last month that he was ‘ready for a new challenge’.
Alexander Isak would immediately improve the Manchester United squad,’ four-time Premier League winner Pallister told Betano.

‘They’re still looking for a player to get them goals, he looks the finished article and full of confidence.
I’m not sure whether they will fork out £150million which is what Newcastle want, but he’d be a great signing for any Premier League side.

‘There’s noise out of Old Trafford that they’re looking at new strikers, Rasmus Hojlund has been at the club for a season and a half.

‘Look, I love his attitude but it’s clear he’s learning on the job. The club needs goals right now – Joshua Zirkzee isn’t a striker for me, he’s more of a number ten.
It’s a shame the club didn’t try and get the Harry Kane deal done when he was on the market.

‘I’d say Isak will be out of the price range for the club, but maybe if something can be done using Marcus Rashford going the other way, I don’t know. The club just need a goalscorer.’

Arsenal are believed to be at the front of the queue to sign Isak as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options at the Emirates Stadium.

Several pundits – including ex-Arsenal stars Paul Merson and Emmanuel Petit – have urged the Gunners to launch a move for Isak.
‘I think Isak is the best striker in the Premier League,’ former West Ham frontman Tony Cottee told BetUK before comparing Isak to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

‘We know what a great goal scorer Erling Haaland is but Isak has become the perfect all round striker this season and is in the form of his life.
It’s not just his goal scoring, I think his overall play is some of the best I’ve ever seen from a forward, he is up there with Thierry Henry in terms of raw ability and all round game and Henry is the best all round forward in Premier League history.

‘He possesses a lot of the same qualities as Henry, his movement is brilliant, he’s quick, and he’s an unbelievable finisher.

‘Arsenal should break the bank and sign Isak as he would give them a chance of winning the league and they are desperate for a striker like him.
I’m sure Newcastle would be reluctant to sell him but if Arsenal can afford £100m you can see Newcastle taking it. He should be top of the list for every world class club looking for a striker.’
Manchester United’s potential pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has taken an intriguing turn, with former club legend Gary Pallister suggesting the possibility of using Marcus Rashford as part of a swap deal. This comes amidst ongoing speculation about United’s need for a proven goalscorer to address their lack of finishing power this season.

### **Current Striker Concerns at United**
– **Rasmus Hojlund**: The £72m signing has shown promise but has only managed two league goals this season, raising questions about his readiness to lead the line for United.
– **Joshua Zirkzee**: Signed just six months ago, Zirkzee’s inconsistent form has led to rumors of an early exit, with Pallister stating he’s better suited as a No. 10 than a traditional striker.

### **Alexander Isak’s Appeal**
– **Impressive Form**: The Swedish forward has been in sensational form, scoring 10 goals in his last nine appearances for Newcastle.
– **Versatility and Quality**: Isak’s blend of pace, movement, and clinical finishing makes him a standout striker, with some even comparing him to Premier League legend Thierry Henry.
– **Valuation**: Newcastle reportedly value Isak at over £100m, making any potential deal during the January window highly challenging.

### **Potential Rashford Swap**
– **Rashford’s Situation**: The United star recently hinted at being “ready for a new challenge,” fueling speculation about his future.
– **Pallister’s Suggestion**: Using Rashford as part of a deal to lower the fee for Isak could appeal to Newcastle, though this would depend on Rashford’s willingness and Newcastle’s interest.

### **Arsenal’s Interest in Isak**
– **Mikel Arteta’s Plans**: Arsenal are reportedly keen on Isak as they look to bolster their attack, with pundits like Paul Merson and Emmanuel Petit urging the Gunners to make a move.
– **Competition**: Arsenal’s ability to pay the £100m fee might make them a stronger contender for Isak’s signature, especially if United can’t resolve their financial constraints.

### **Expert Opinions**
– **Gary Pallister (Manchester United)**: Advocates for United securing Isak as a long-term solution to their scoring issues, potentially involving Rashford in the deal.
– **Tony Cottee (Arsenal)**: Believes Isak is currently the best all-around striker in the Premier League and could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s title pursuit.

### **Conclusion**
While Alexander Isak could be a transformative signing for Manchester United, the financial and logistical hurdles of securing such a deal—particularly mid-season—make it a complex proposition. With Arsenal also in the mix, the race for Isak could be one of the defining transfer battles of the year.